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On January 12, 2008, the Canadian Transportation Agency ruled that airlines must provide a second seat (free of charge) to Canadians with disabilities who require it to accommodate their disability, or to provide space for a personal attendant, for those who cannot travel alone. (The full press release can be found here.) On May 14th, the Federal Court of Appeal ruled that it would not entertain an appeal by Westjet and Air Canada.

Disability group ‘thrilled’ as airlines lose fight over free seats

The Toronto Star, May 14, 2008

An appeal of a ruling in favour of severely disabled Canadian passengers who require an additional seat on airlines will not be heard by the federal Court of Appeal.

The court turned down a request by Air Canada and WestJet to hear an appeal of a Canadian Transportation Agency ruling in January that requires the airlines to offer a free seat to an attendant accompanying a disabled passenger, or to obese passengers who need one.

The ruling leaves the airlines 12 months to draft regulations on accommodating qualified disabled passengers.

“We’re thrilled,” said Laurie Beachell, national co-ordinator of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities. “I think this may be a first for air travel.”