Viral video shows cramped seating, sparks backlash over WestJet legroom changes

WestJet is facing furious backlash after a viral video exposed the airline’s latest move to cram passengers into tighter seats, forcing them to angle their knees sideways to fit. Critics are slamming the company for sacrificing basic passenger comfort to charge extra fees.

Shared on X over the weekend, the video shows a passenger in what appears to be one of WestJet’s newly reconfigured economy cabins. The passenger’s knees are pressed and angled against the seat in front, making it impossible to sit straight. The clip prompted a wave of angry responses from travellers.

“Video is going PARABOLIC Mega viral showing WestJet’s brand new planes. You now have to PAY EXTRA FOR LEGROOM. Welcome to modern air travel in Canada. SOON STANDING TICKETS AND SEATS are upgrades,” said one user who shared the video.

A WestJet spokesperson told True North the video shows one of the airline’s newly reconfigured aircraft, which previously had an all-economy cabin layout.

Other users noted their declining trust and opinion of WestJet.

“WestJet has gone from one of the best Canadian airlines to competing with Flair for the worst in just a few years,” said one user.

“WestJet’s new seats have 2 inches less pitch (legroom), worst in NA, worse than Flair, Frontier, or Spirit.  WestJet charges full service carrier pricing with low cost carrier amenities, legroom and service and hidden fees everywhere. Such an awful airline now,” said another user.

Another person who replied said it had been the “worst decline” they had ever seen in a brand.

“I never fly WestJet anymore, they’ve gone seriously downhill…. No legroom, non reclining seats, no carry on, terrible service,  woke dei hires….. United Airlines is the best,” said one user.

Other people who replied pointed to specific experiences on WestJet flights.

“I used to have multiple WestJet trips, but their legroom is absolutely hurting.  I felt like I couldn’t breathe,” wrote one person.

A Reddit thread also blew up shortly after the video, receiving almost 9,000 upvotes as of this article’s publication.

The thread’s author broke down the airline’s changes, explaining that the new layout is currently in place for 22 aircraft but was originally intended to apply to 43, pending public feedback.

WestJet told True North that 21 such aircraft with this configuration are currently in use, adding that it is “closely monitoring guest feedback to assess the situation.”

“For those unaware, this would be 28″ of pitch (no recline possible), the lowest ever seen before in Canada,” wrote the author. “WestJet’s typical 737 configurations, Air Canada narrow-bodies, and Porter all have 30″ pitch as the standard. Flair, AC Rouge (and RyanAir) have 29″.”

In a statement to True North, WestJet said the reconfiguration is part of an effort to keep air travel affordable, adding that the aircraft now accommodate an extra row by varying seat pitch between 38 and 28 inches.

“These pitches are in line with what you’ll find across North American airlines,” said the spokesperson. 

The author encouraged readers to write in with feedback.

The backlash follows WestJet’s September announcement that it was reconfiguring parts of its Boeing 737 fleet to add multiple seating tiers, including fixed, non-reclining economy seats with tighter pitch. The airline is charging extra for “Extended Comfort” options.

“WestJet’s new aircraft interior will feature a refreshed Premium cabin with 12 new seats that are the same model as in WestJet’s 787-9 Dreamliner fleet: ergonomically contoured seat cushions, reclining seat backs and a large headrest with four-way adjustment capability,” wrote the airline. “In the economy cabin, the new and larger Extended Comfort section, located directly behind Premium features 36 seats with extra legroom and will be separated from the Economy cabin by a cabin divider. Exit row seating in the Economy cabin remains an option for travellers who want the most legroom.” 

The airline added that “the standard seating in the Economy cabin offers choices ranging from less space at the back to more space near the front of the cabin, and upgraded seats featuring seatback contouring to maximize legroom, ergonomically designed, contoured bottom and back cushions.”

“Because safety is so important to us, it’s worth noting as part of the reconfiguration, the aircraft underwent an extensive safety and certification process. All modifications were completed in accordance with Transport Canada’s rigorous airworthiness standards and WestJet’s own high internal safety requirements,” WestJet told True North.