Air Canada revealed an updated policy on mobility aids on Friday, allowing travelers to bring up to three mobility aids without any additional charges. The initiative aims to provide more flexibility to customers using mobility aids or carrying adaptive sports equipment.
Meghan Hines, chair of Air Canada’s accessibility advisory committee, expressed satisfaction with the new policy, stating that it eliminates the need to constantly explain or justify the requirements of disabled travelers. She emphasized the importance of recognizing that the equipment carried by individuals with disabilities is integral to their mobility and not just additional baggage.
Under the policy, eligible items include personal mobility aids, adaptive sports equipment, personal or patient lifts, and similar transfer devices. If a device is too large to accompany the traveler on the same aircraft, Air Canada will transport it within Canada free of charge.
Rachael Pinnock, chief commercial and impact officer at the Canadian Paralympic Committee, welcomed the policy update, highlighting its positive impact on athletes across all levels of sports, from recreational to high-performance. Pinnock commended Air Canada for its commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of the Para sport community.
In a related development, Canada’s transport regulator mandated WestJet to remove its 136-kilogram weight cap on mobility aids by July 2027. The decision was made following concerns that the weight restriction posed a significant barrier to travelers with disabilities, particularly those using power wheelchairs. The regulator recommended interim solutions such as using spreader plates to distribute weight in cargo holds and arranging alternative travel options with other airlines.