WestJet Hits The Brakes On Installing Non-Reclining Seats Following Backlash

In September 2025, WestJet announced plans to offer an updated cabin layout on some of its Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 737-800NG aircraft. The new layout would offer multiple comfort level tiers, with economy being split into three options. Those wanting more legroom will have to pay a premium.

In order to maintain high density seating, seats in the back would be reduced to as little as 28 inches of row pitch, and have the recline function disabled. WestJet originally earmarked 43 Boeing 737s to receive this new cabin treatment, and planned to introduce the new layout to a wider portion of its fleet.

However, the decision was met with public outcry from the Canadian Union of Public Employees, WestJet employees and customers. According to the union, these downgraded seats were “comparable to ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit, Wizz Air and Frontier.” They also argued that the reduced leg room could make it more challenging for customers with mobility issues, and those traveling with car seats and pets.

According to an internal memo seen by The Canadian Press, WestJet officials have put a pause on the program following feedback from various stakeholders. Prior to the run up the holiday season, they retrofitted 21 of the 43 737s, but will instead only outfit one more aircraft (totalling 22). In the meantime, they will continue assessing feedback from customers and employees.

I think what really put the icing on the cake was the fact this decision also came some weeks after company execs flew along with representatives from the flight attendants’ and pilots’ union, testing out the very basic seats on a flight from Toronto (YYZ) to Calgary (YYC). While they’ve tried to spin the pause as a time to reflect on continuing customer feedback, it wouldn’t be surprising if they really did it to keep as many aircraft in service during the winter period.

Unfortunately, WestJet has not completely ruled out the idea of installing these very limited legroom seats, and said the new cabin layout will be revisited in spring 2026. In a push for more revenue, WestJet is essentially trying to charge customers more for the same experience by making their baseline products even worse. It’s surprising that they are moving in this direction when other carriers are actually keeping their regular economy products the same and improving their premium offerings instead.

This isn’t the first time that carriers have eliminated the option to recline. For instance, low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant Air do not offer the option to recline seats (in non-premium cabins), but at the end of the day, these are true low-cost or ultra-low-cost carriers. WestJet on the other hand is supposedly moving towards being a full-service carrier, so why to make the travel experience worse for those not paying a premium?

Add as preferred source on Google Follow on WhatsApp