The National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) has announced that its member airlines – Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Aviation LP, and WestJet – have jointly adopted a common air travel requirements form for passengers with complex health needs. The move was welcomed by ACTA, which said, “This is a significant step forward in enhancing the travel experience for Canadians who live with complex health needs.”
This unified form, developed in response to a key recommendation from the 2024 federal Air Accessibility Summit, harmonizes processes that previously varied between airlines. Travellers and their healthcare providers will now be able to complete a single form that can be used across multiple carriers, reducing administrative burden and making the booking process more consistent and predictable.
“Travel advisors regularly support clients navigating accessibility requirements, and a harmonized form will greatly simplify the process,” stated ACTA president Suzanne Acton-Gervais. “Recognizing that airlines are fierce competitors, we applaud the leadership of NACC and the collaborative effort between NACC member airlines, government partners, and the accessibility community.”
Importantly, the new standardized form introduces no additional requirements for travellers. Instead, it streamlines existing information requests and reflects months of consultation with disability advocates and subject-matter experts.
In the release from the NACC, Canada’s Chief Accessibility Officer, Stephanie Cadieux, also welcomed the effort, noting the value of collective action in removing barriers. Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon highlighted the broader significance of the initiative as essential to ensuring that all Canadians can travel safely, independently, and with dignity – noting that this barrier-free air travel initiative raises the bar for inclusivity.
“Travel advisors are on the front lines of helping Canadians plan their journeys,” added Acton-Gervais. “Any measure that reduces uncertainty and increases accessibility is a win for our industry and for travellers. We commend the airlines for coming together on a unified approach and look forward to continued progress.”
The standardized form can be accessed here:
- Air Canada (including Jazz): www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/plan/accessibility.html
- Air Transat: www.airtransat.com/en-CA/travel-information/special-services/accessibility-special-needs-and-medical-equipment
- WestJet: www.westjet.com/en-ca/special-needs
DEIA
ACTA maintains a dedicated DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) Committee, which guides the association’s work on reducing barriers and supporting customers with complex health needs or disabilities.
The association has also recently launched applications for its DEIA Accessible Travel Specialist Directory, a new national resource designed to help Canadians connect with travel advisors who are trained and experienced in serving travellers with accessibility needs.
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