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WestJet is scrapping its controversial cabin densification plans after widespread criticism over cramped seating and non-reclining economy seats. Several months after announcing interior changes that reduced seat pitch to as little as 28 inches in order to add more seats, Canada’s second-largest airline confirmed it will restore its previous Economy Class configuration and remove an added row on recently modified aircraft.
The original redesign aimed to create a lower-cost product by decreasing legroom and installing fixed-back seats intended to “preserve personal space.” Instead, customers flooded social media calling the seating uncomfortable and unsuitable for anything beyond short flights. Consumer advocates have also warned for years that shrinking seats pose safety and accessibility concerns while noting that average airline seat pitch has fallen globally from about 35 inches to as little as 28 inches (even as aircraft grow more crowded).
In a statement, CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech acknowledged that the airline had experimented with pitches used by other low-fare carriers, but said the decision to revert reflects WestJet’s commitment to listening to guests and staff. The carrier paused its reconfiguration in December and expected to complete a review by mid-February, but accelerated the decision in response to mounting feedback and operational data.
Removing added seats will see WestJet to return 180-seat aircraft to a 174-seat layout. This process depends on engineering certification and phased implementation timelines. While the seat pitch change will be undone, the airline says it still intends to move ahead with other elements of its cabin refresh, including updated interiors, modern finishes, and enhanced onboard amenities.
WestJet built its reputation as a low-cost carrier in Canada by offering affordability while expanding its network and product offerings over three decades. The reversal signals that even value-focused carriers may find limits to what they can do in an era where comfort, brand perception and passenger advocacy play an increasingly visible role in shaping airline decisions.
Anthony’s Take: It’s good to see WestJet reverse course here. Customers are still looking for more premium experiences and packing them in even tighter is counter to this desire.
(Featured Image Credit: WestJet.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
