US EditionWestJet pauses move to install non-reclining seats after blowback
WestJet halted reconfiguration of 43 Boeing 737s after complaints about reduced legroom and fixed seats; half the fleet affected as the airline collects feedback before resuming.
- On Dec. 12, 2025, Calgary-based WestJet announced it had paused its fixed-recline seat rollout after reconfiguring about half the fleet by mid-December, limiting changes to 22 planes during winter.
- Announced in September, the plan to reconfigure 43 Boeing 737 jets would add an extra row and create tiered cabins with many economy seats using a `fixed recline` design.
- Swisterski documented a noticeable difference in legroom on her flight on a Boeing 737 Max 8 this month, estimating a few inches less on the reconfigured seat.
- CUPE's WestJet contingent flagged accessibility and staff workload concerns, while WestJet said it will monitor feedback this busy winter season and plans to restart changes in the spring.
- Industry observers said mixed configurations create booking uncertainty and surprise as ancillary fees are 'big business,' John Gradek, aviation analyst and McGill lecturer, warned.
20 Articles
20 Articles
WestJet suspended the installation of non-tilt seats on much of its fleet after protests by its employees and passengers.
WestJet Pauses Move to Install Non-Reclining Seats After Blowback
WestJet has paused a move to install non-reclining seats on a big slice of its fleet after pushback from employees and passengers. The airline announced in September it would reconfigure the seating on 43 Boeing 737 jets to install an extra row and divide the cabin into several tiers, some with more space—and pricier tickets—than others. Many of the economy seats would have less legroom than the previous layout and feature what WestJet called a …
Westjet will stop the installation of permanently installed economy seats in its Boeing 737 for the time being. This is due to complaints from passengers and crew safety concerns.
MONTREAL — WestJet suspended its plan to install non-tilt seats on a large part of its fleet following protests by its employees and passengers. The airline announced in September its intention to reconfigure the seats of 43 Boeing 737 to add a row and segment the cabin into several categories, some offering more space, and more expensive tickets than others. Many economy-class seats would offer less leg space than with the previous configuratio…
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