The WestJet Group released its first annual accessibility plan progress report, one year following the launch of its inaugural accessibility plan. To further reduce barriers and enhance travel accessibility for persons with disabilities, the report outlines three new service enhancements for guests travelling with wheelchairs or similar mobility aids.  

Updates to wheelchair size & weight policy and handling protocols

Following a comprehensive review of its fleet and associated equipment, such as baggage lifts, WestJet has expanded the size and weight limitations for mobility devices. By adjusting these limitations, the airline will now accept a broader range of mobility aids, increasing the accessibility of travelling with WestJet for more guests. Additionally, the airline has adopted a standard industry practice, which ensures powered mobility devices are exclusively handled in a fully upright position, helping safeguard the devices throughout the travel journey. More details on these updates are available here.

Confirmation of loading of checked mobility devices

To further enhance the handling and tracking of mobility devices, WestJet has implemented an updated tagging procedure that ensures mobility devices are loaded onto the aircraft with their owners.

Under this new protocol, once a mobility device is securely placed in the aircraft's cargo hold, the flight crew will receive notification and provide the owner with a physical tag as positive confirmation that their device is onboard and travelling with them.

New identification codes enabled for mobility devices

WestJet carries a multitude of wheelchair types, including manual devices and highly sophisticated, powered chairs. To ensure WestJet employees supporting guests travelling with wheelchairs are equipped with the information they need, WestJet has launched three new device-specific, Special Service Request (SSR) codes:

• WCMP: Manual non-powered wheelchair
• WCBD: Wheelchair containing a non-spillable, nickel-metal hydride or dry battery
• WCBW: Wheelchair containing a wet cell battery

The newly implemented identification codes will equip WestJet employees with comprehensive information surrounding mobility devices to effectively participate in detailed discussions with guests, ensuring both parties understand what to expect and how to prepare their unique mobility devices for travel.