Recently, our team were invited to an opportunity to visit Cardiff Airport, in collaboration with WestJet, to learn all about their new route between Cardiff Airport and Toronto Pearson with WestJet. This gave us a unique opportunity to explore a WestJet 737-8 MAX aircraft before it departed for Toronto, as well as to discuss with the crew the issues that really matter for disabled travellers. 

Their new route between Cardiff and Toronto offers travellers in Wales, South West England, and beyond the opportunity to explore Canada without the hassle of first travelling to London. The route has 4 departures a week and runs seasonally from May to September, with dates in 2027 already on sale. A direct flight to Toronto not only allows you to explore Canada’s biggest city, but also a number of other Canadian and American destinations such as Vancouver, New York, Orlando and Los Angeles, connecting in Toronto.

Moving onto our experience onboard the aircraft. Travellers on this route can take advantage of three categories of seats: Economy, Premium, and Extended Comfort, all with spacious seats and good legroom. One notable omission is seatback entertainment; however, you’ll hardly miss it, as you’ll be able to connect to WestJet’s superfast onboard WiFi. We entered the aircraft through an airbridge, which ran much more smoothly than boarding from an Ambulift, and there was lots of space at the front of the aircraft to manoeuvre a wheelchair around before moving on to our seats. On board, evac chairs are stored in the overhead lockers at the back of the aircraft. The two toilets, which are also located in the rear, feature a privacy divider between the rear area of the aircraft and the main cabin, allowing more space for movement around the toilet area.

We were also able to have important conversations with the crew about things like wheelchair storage on board. The crew were positive about allowing travellers with folding wheelchairs such as the RGK FX range or similar, which can fit into the large overhead lockers safely to store their chairs on board, eliminating a significant source of anxiety for disabled travellers.

We’d like to thank WestJet and Cardiff Airport for having us, and allowing us the space to advocate for disabled travellers and their rights on board. 

If you’re dreaming of exploring North America, whether it’s the Rocky Mountains, Canada’s Atlantic Coast, Florida, New York or anywhere in between, we would definately recommend WestJet and their fantastic new route from Cardiff Airport. If this article has sparked your wanderlust, get in touch with us today!