Air Canada has introduced a new policy intended to make air travel simpler and less stressful for customers who travel with mobility aids, by providing a more consistent approach to how devices are handled and supported during travel.
The policy enables customers can now travel with up to three mobility aids with no extra charge. Eligible items can include any combination of personal mobility aids, adaptive sports equipment, personal or patient lifts, or similar transfer devices.
The provision for adaptive sports equipment is designed to support both adaptive athletes and recreational travellers with disabilities, helping remove barriers to participation in sport and leisure travel. If a mobility aid is too large to travel on the same aircraft as the customer, Air Canada Cargo will transport it within Canada, free of charge.
“Having this policy clearly defined means people with disabilities can travel, without having to explain or justify our needs. As both a traveller with a disability and a Para athlete, it is meaningful to see Air Canada recognise that the equipment we travel with, whether it supports daily life, care needs or participation in sport, are extensions of our bodies, not an extra piece of luggage,” said Meghan Hines, chair of Air Canada’s Accessibility Advisory Committee.
“This policy recognises that accessibility needs do not look the same for everyone and that people with disabilities should be able to travel with the equipment they need without added uncertainty or having to advocate for an exception.”
More information can be found on Air Canada’s website.
A broader plan
The policy is the latest part of Air Canada’s broader Accessibility Plan, which outlines initiatives to improve the experience of customers who use powered wheelchairs and other mobility aids. These initiatives include better flight options, digital tracking and notifications, improved availability of accessibility equipment, enhanced boarding and transfer support, and collaboration with accessibility partners, airports, regulators, aircraft manufacturers and mobility aid manufacturers.
A mobility aid tracking feature has also been added to the Air Canada app, allowing customers to confirm their mobility aid has been loaded on their flight. The airline has also reviewed operational procedures for handling mobility aids, invested in specialised lift equipment at airports across Canada, and continues to provide training to employees on safely and respectfully supporting customers with disabilities.
