Manual or electric wheelchairs, walkers, hoists, adapted sports equipment: these items accompany the disabled traveller at every stage of their journey. For Megan Hines, chair of Air Canada's Accessibility Advisory Committee, they constitute « the extension of our body »and not additional luggage. This distinction lies at the heart of the new policy announced by the airline.
The Montreal-based airline unveiled a policy for the transport of this equipment on 28 August. It thus aims to make the travel experience more stress-free for disabled customers, whether they are travelling for business, pleasure or adapted sports.
Specifically, each customer can now carry up to three mobility aids free of charge. Eligible items cover personal mobility equipment, adapted sports equipment, patient lifts and other similar transfer devices. If a piece of equipment proves too bulky to be placed on board the same aircraft as its owner, Air Canada Cargo will transport it free of charge within Canada.
A policy integrated into a wider accessibility plan
This measure forms part of Air Canada's Accessibility Plan, which aims to eliminate the barriers faced by customers with disabilities at every stage of their journey. The airline has therefore revised its operational procedures for handling this equipment and invested in specialist lifting equipment at airports across the country. It is also continuing to train its employees in safe and respectful assistance.
Digitally, the Air Canada app now includes a tracking feature allowing customers to verify that their luggage has been loaded onto their flight.« This new policy aims to boost customer confidence when travelling with us by offering them more consistent choices », explained Kerianne Wilson, Air Canada's Director of Customer Accessibility.
" By clearly defining this policy, disabled people can travel without having to explain or justify their needs, says Megan Hines, Chair of Air Canada's Accessibility Advisory Committee. As a disabled person and Paralympic athlete, I find it rewarding to see that Air Canada recognises that the equipment we travel with, whether it is used to make daily life easier, meet care needs or play a sport, is an extension of our body and not extra baggage. This policy recognises that accessibility needs vary from one person to another and that disabled persons must be able to travel with the equipment they need without facing additional uncertainty or having to ask for an exception ".
