WestJet won’t let my legs fly with me

How long does it take you to book a flight? Do you just go online and enter the details? 30 minutes tops? I’m on the second day of trying to do a simple return flight within Canada.

Flying is a privilege, not just because of the costs but because there are privileges afforded to non-disabled people that are not given to disabled people.

I have flown with WestJet exclusively since I became disabled. To get assistance, to be able to bring a service attendant, medical forms have to be completed by a doctor and filed with the airline. Wanting to show consideration for my doctor’s time means that I have chosen one airline, rather than ask for her to complete multiple forms. Up until yesterday, that airline was WestJet. Was.

At the end of a lengthy call to include me, an attendant, and my service dog, I was asked for details on my wheelchair – the same wheelchair I have travelled with for years, weighing 385lbs. This time, my wheelchair weighs too much and I was refused booking.

My legs weigh too much. But just now. Not last year. Or the year before. Or multiple years before that.

I asked what other clients have done, and was told they’ve chosen to fly with a lighter chair! Well, I don’t have a closet full of chairs to fit the needs and desires of airlines. I have my custom wheelchair that is the best one to fit my needs. And my chair is fairly standard – nothing added to it that would increase weight.

It’s entirely inappropriate that WestJet refuse my wheelchair. I’ve been denied a service with a Canadian airline that is open to everyone else.