Vacationers and advocates say a rule at WestJet Airlines that bars some power wheelchairs from most of its planes discriminates in opposition to individuals dwelling with a incapacity.
The Calgary-based airline states on its web site that mobility aids are capped at 300 kilos for the overwhelming majority of its plane, a restrict that guidelines out many energy wheelchairs.
After flying with WestJet for years, Manitoba resident and former MP Steven Fletcher says an airline agent instructed him they’d not have the ability to carry his wheelchair on a flight from Winnipeg to Toronto final February on account of its weight.
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He says he was pressured to make use of a distinct wheelchair, inflicting ache and stress sores that required medical consideration.
WestJet says it landed on the 136kg (300lbs) restrict final 12 months after an engineering evaluation and that accessibility laws permit it to refuse transport of heavier mobility aids.
World Information
In a response to a regulatory criticism filed by Fletcher, WestJet says it landed on the 300-pound restrict final 12 months after an engineering evaluation and that accessibility laws permit it to refuse transport of heavier mobility aids.
ARCH Incapacity Legislation Centre lawyer Devin Glim says the burden restrict successfully denies entry to air journey for many customized energy wheelchair customers, with advocates noting that no different main North American airline maintains such a low cap for jets.
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