Why did WestJet change its seating plan?

WestJet reversed its plan to reduce seat pitch and eliminate reclining seats due to significant passenger backlash and viral social media complaints about cramped conditions.

What were WestJet's original seating changes?

WestJet initially planned to reduce seat pitch to 28 inches from about 30 inches and install non-reclining economy seats to add an extra row.

Are other airlines reducing seat space?

Yes, other budget carriers like Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines have also experimented with slimmer seats or non-reclining seats to increase capacity.

Home / Business and Economy / WestJet Caves: Reclining Seats Return After Passenger Backlash

WestJet Caves: Reclining Seats Return After Passenger Backlash

17 Jan

•

Summary

WestJet reversed its plan to reduce seat pitch due to passenger complaints.
The airline initially planned to decrease seat pitch to 28 inches.
Other airlines also experiment with slimmer seats to increase capacity.

WestJet Caves: Reclining Seats Return After Passenger Backlash

WestJet, Canada's second-largest airline, has reversed its controversial cabin refresh plan that included non-reclining economy seats and reduced seat pitch. Following widespread passenger complaints and viral social media videos highlighting discomfort, the airline announced on Friday it would revert to its previous seating configuration. CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech acknowledged that while WestJet aims to keep air travel affordable through innovative products, passenger needs are paramount.

Several months prior, WestJet had announced a plan to narrow the distance between rows to 28 inches from approximately 30 inches, a move intended to allow for an additional row of seats on its planes. Passengers strongly disagreed with the airline's initial claim that this preserved personal space, instead describing the seats as cramped and painful. This decision faced significant backlash from travelers.