Air Canada has introduced an updated policy on mobility aids, allowing passengers to bring up to three aids at no extra cost. The airline’s aim is to offer more flexibility to customers who rely on mobility aids or travel with adaptive sports equipment.
Meghan Hines, the chair of Air Canada’s accessibility advisory committee, emphasized the significance of this policy for travelers with disabilities. She expressed that the policy acknowledges the importance of mobility aids as integral to travelers’ needs, rather than mere luggage items.
Under the new policy, eligible items can include various personal mobility aids, adaptive sports equipment, and patient lifts. If a device is too large to accompany the passenger on the same aircraft, Air Canada will arrange free transportation within Canada via cargo services.
Rachael Pinnock, from the Canadian Paralympic Committee, praised the airline’s initiative, highlighting the positive impact it will have on athletes of all levels. This move reflects Air Canada’s commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of the Para sport community.
In a related development, Canada’s transport regulator directed WestJet to remove its weight cap on mobility aids before July 2027. The regulator found that the weight restriction posed an unreasonable barrier to travelers with disabilities, particularly affecting power wheelchair users. WestJet is expected to implement measures to accommodate these travelers effectively in the future.
