A wave of discomfort and outrage forced WestJet to completely reverse course on a controversial new seating plan. The airline had begun squeezing an extra row of seats onto many of its planes, dramatically reducing legroom for passengers and sparking a fierce backlash.
The change wasn’t subtle. Videos quickly circulated online, showing travelers contorted into incredibly cramped positions, knees pressed against seat trays. One couple’s plight, captured and shared on Reddit, became a viral symbol of the discomfort many feared.
Initially, WestJet attempted a limited retreat, stating the new configuration would only be implemented on 22 aircraft “for the time being.” However, the criticism didn’t subside; the public outcry continued to mount, ultimately leading to a full cancellation of the plan.
The core of the issue wasn’t just the lack of space, but a tiered system designed around comfort. WestJet’s new aircraft featured seats with a fixed recline – meaning passengers couldn’t tilt their seats back unless they paid a premium for upgraded seating.
This allowed the airline to add that extra row, effectively lowering the base fare while creating a revenue stream from those willing to pay for a more comfortable experience. The strategy, as one executive described it, aimed to offer “welcoming service at every budget.”
But the public saw it differently. The move was widely perceived as prioritizing profit over passenger well-being, and the discomfort was simply too great to ignore. The airline has now committed to restoring the previous, more spacious “standard seat pitch” in its economy cabins.
The process won’t be immediate. WestJet is awaiting an engineering certificate to physically remove the extra row of seats from the reconfigured planes. Once approved, aircraft currently seating 180 passengers will revert to their original 174-seat layout.
The reversal marks a significant win for travelers who voiced their concerns, demonstrating the power of public feedback in shaping airline policy. It’s a clear signal that, sometimes, comfort cannot be sacrificed at the altar of cost savings.
