WestJet reverses plan for reduced-pitch, non-reclining economy seats

WestJet, Canada’s second-largest carrier, has backpedaled on a plan to install economy seats that do not recline after videos of cramped passengers went viral on social media. The airline had proposed narrowing seat pitch to 28 inches from about 30 inches to add an extra row of seating.

WestJet had said the seats helped "preserve personal space," but many passengers criticized the economy configuration on social media as cramped and pain-inducing. A TikTok video posted by Amanda Schmidt showed limited legroom and included a joke about having to pay to fit both legs under the seat.

On Friday the airline said it would return economy cabins to their previous configuration. Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet’s chief executive, said the airline had tried seat pitches that other carriers around the globe use "to keep fares low." He added, "As an entrepreneurial airline founded on making air travel affordable to Canadians, it’s in our DNA to try new products.

At the same time, it is just as important to react quickly if they don’t meet the needs of our guests." Industry context includes past moves by low-cost carriers: Spirit Airlines installed seats that didn’t recline in 2010, Frontier advertises seats as "pre-reclined so no one can recline on you!", and other airlines such as Southwest and United have experimented with slimmer seats.

Key Topics

Business, Westjet, Canada, Alexis Von Hoensbroech, Seat Pitch, Flyersrights