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Westjet Wheelchair Policy and Special Assistance Guide
Wheelchairs, Scooters, Mobility Aids on Westjet
Although some mobility aids, scooters, and wheelchairs are marked as "Airline Approved", this is not always the case for all airlines. Every airline, including Westjet, has the final say in whether your mobility aid is allowed to fly and whether it fits within the regulations.
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If you have specific questions that aren't answered here, or you want to speak to someone about your special needs, please call 1-888-937-8538 (1-888-WESTJET).
Wheelchair Allowance as Baggage on Westjet
In addition to the checked baggage allowance, each guest with reduced mobility is permitted one medically required wheelchair at no charge. Guests travelling with more than one wheelchair should be prepared to identify their primary wheelchair. Charges may apply to any additional wheelchairs, including wheelchairs used for sporting events such as rugby, basketball, tennis or racing, etc.
You will not be allowed to use your own wheelchair on board the aircraft, Westjet will have an onboard wheelchair for your use.
Wheelchair Size Restrictions on Westjet
Your wheelchair must fit through the cargo doors, and it may be that your wheelchair/mobility aid needs to be turned on its side to do. If your mobility aid cannot be turned on its side, it may not be accepted for transport by Westjet. Depending on the type of wheelchair battery that your mobility aid uses, the battery may need to be removed. Be aware that there are STRICT RULES regarding BATTERIES. Be sure to continue reading, and if there is any doubt, contact Westjet directly.
Notify Westjet About Your Wheelchair
Wheelchairs of all kinds require special handling. If you are travelling with a wheelchair, we recommend that you notify WestJet at least 48 hours before departure.
If you are reserving travel on westjet.com please be sure to use the correct option from the three "wheelchair service to/from the aircraft" available for selection on the "Guest details page" (where you enter your name). You can also call Westjet at 1-888-937-8538 (1-888-WESTJET) and the airline can add this detail.
If you are travelling with another airline, or one of WestJet's partner airlines, you will be required to contact all carriers on your itinerary to confirm this process and their notification and reservation requirements. Westjet do not transfer or arrange transfer of mobility aids.
Wheelchair Service to/from the Aircraft
Westjet offers 3 types of wheelchair service, from which you can select when making your booking. This depends on your level of mobility, and is important so the airline can prepare for your journey.
Option 1 - Wheelchair, can walk up steps
This request indicates that you primarily require a wheelchair for distance, including a wheelchair from check in to/from the aircraft, but that you:
- can walk up and down steps unassisted
- will be able to walk unassisted to and from the door of the aircraft to your seat
- will be able to walk unassisted to and from your seat to the lavatory
Option 2 – Wheelchair; no steps
This request indicates that you cannot walk up or down steps, but that you will be able to walk unassisted to/from:
- the door of the aircraft to your seat
- your seat to the lavatory
Option 3 – Wheelchair; carry on
This request indicates that you are completely immobile and you:
- require a wheelchair upon check-in to get to/from the aircraft
- must be transferred up/down stairs
- require transfer assistance into the cabin, into your seat and to/from your seat to the lavatory
If you have not done so during your reservation, you can contact Westjet at 1-888-937-8538 (1-888-WESTJET) to add this detail to your reservation.
Wheelchair Service in the Cabin
With 48 hours advance notice, Westjet can ensure that a specially designed onboard wheelchair that fits the aisle of the aircraft. Cabin crew can use it to transfer you to/from the onboard lavatory. You can request this service by calling 1-888-937-8538 (1-888-WESTJET). Per the Westjet website:
You must be able to attend to your own personal needs, stand/pivot and/or bear weight and move within the space in the lavatory. Please be aware that the lavatory's doorframe prohibits the onboard wheelchair from entering. Our cabin crew will only transfer you to the lavatory and offer stability as you enter and exit.
Privacy dictates that our crew will not assist inside the lavatoryand they are not permitted to assist with personal hygiene.You must lock and unlock the door or request the cabin crew member to lock the door from the outside.
Wheelchair Check-In Requirements on Westjet
- Ensure you are familiar with how your mobility aid should be prepared for transport.
- Provide detailed instructions on how prepare, remove, stow or handle your mobility aid if you have had any modifications made to your mobility aid.
- Deactivate or disconnect any battery power for your device, or provide detailed instructions to our agents to manage this process. If you don't have your owner's manual or cannot provide instructions on how to deactivate the battery power and Westjet cannot deactivate or disconnect your battery, Westjet will not accept your mobility aid for safety reasons.
- Remove any easily removable pieces, such as baskets, joysticks, cushions, headrests, etc. from your mobility aid and carry them on board.
- Check in for your flight at least one full hour before the recommended check-in time. This ensures enough time to have your wheelchair prepared appropriately.
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