A budget Canadian airline has sparked plenty of chatter, and more than a little controversy, after unveiling a plan to charge passengers who want seats that recline.
WestJet recently unveiled its major “cabin refresh”, which adds three distinct seat classes on its Boeing aircraft.
“The modern cabin experience will offer a bright, airy atmosphere with an upgraded design that features new seats, adjustable headrests and enhanced cushion and back support with a fixed recline design in Economy that helps preserve personal space,” it said.
Its new seat classes are premium, extended comfort and economy. Those who want seats that recline will have to book – and pay for – premium. And there’s only 12 on each plane.
WestJet executive vice-president and chief experience officer Samantha Taylor said the new cabins had been designed to offer “welcoming service at every budget”.
“It reflects our commitment to elevating every aspect of the travel experience and meeting guest demand for a broader range of product offerings” she said.
The 12 premium seats will also have ergonomically contoured seat cushions and a large, adjustable headrest.
Step down into “extended comfort” (36 seats on every plane) and there is extra leg room and a divider separating the section from economy.
In that section, seats range from less space at the back of the plane to more near the front of the cabin. WestJet said its upgraded and ergonomically designed seats had “seat-back contouring to maximise legroom”, as well as contoured bottom and back cushions. Just don’t try to recline.
“WestJet has always been a pioneer in making air travel available to Canadians, largely through keeping costs low to offer affordable airfare,” Taylor said.
“The layout for our refreshed cabin caters to our guests’ diverse preferences. Whether they opt for premium seating with extra amenities and legroom or for more affordable ticket prices with less space, we’re excited to introduce this range of products for our guests to enjoy.”
The first of the reconfigured planes will likely be in service within weeks, while 42 more “refreshed” Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 will be up and flying by early 2026.
The response online has been mixed, starting with those who object to economy passengers who want to recline their seats.
“Folks who recline a seat while flying economy seriously impact the space of the person behind them. No one is truly comfortable in economy and having someone recline makes it so much worse,” wrote one X user.
Responded another: “Especially for tall people. The seat goes right into their kneecaps.”
But there was also some criticism for the budget airline.
“Put the blame where the blame belongs,” an X user wrote. “The ability to recline is part of what you pay for when you buy your ticket. If there is not enough room in the seat behind you, that is the fault of the airline, not the passenger.”
Another voiced similar sentiments.
“Instead of targeting the airline for squeezing us like sardines to fit more seats, we fight among each other over reclining seats, which has been a feature in economy for decades,” they wrote.
And still another: “Then I won’t be flying WestJet ! Next thing they will have us all standing up holding onto a strap from the ceiling!”
Which shouldn’t even be joked about really, given the king of budget airlines, Ryanair, reportedly had an application to sell standing-only tickets knocked back about a decade ago.
It wanted to fit out a Boeing 737-800 with 15 rows of seats and 10 rows of standing berths, but an unnamed British regulator said no.
“We have asked the question could we run some trials on this and the immediate response is somewhat negative,” airline boss Michael O’Leary said in 2012.
He said the refitted plane would have resembled a classic Tube train, saying: “Same as on the London Underground, handrails and straps.”
Credits: WestJet
