
WestJet retreats on cramped seating after passenger backlash
WestJet retreats on cramped seating after passenger backlash
- WestJet Airlines announced a reversal of its cramped seating layout for economy class on Boeing 737s, which previously had 28-inch row spacing.
- The decision came after public backlash and significant feedback from both passengers and staff regarding discomfort and safety concerns.
- Restoring the original seat layout will aim to better meet customer needs while preserving affordable travel options.
Story
In late October 2023, WestJet Airlines, a Canadian carrier, introduced a reconfiguration of its Boeing 737 aircraft, reducing the space between rows to 28 inches and making economy class seats non-reclinable. This decision was met with significant public outcry, highlighted by viral videos depicting passengers struggling with limited legroom. The discomfort expressed by travelers led to numerous complaints received by flight attendants and concerns regarding passenger safety in emergency situations, prompting a review. On Friday, following extensive feedback from both guests and staff, the airline announced it would abandon the 'densified seating' approach, returning to a more comfortable configuration by removing an additional row of seats and adjusting the layout to increase seat pitch. In a statement, WestJet underscored its commitment to accommodate customer needs, emphasizing the importance of balancing affordable travel options with passenger comfort. The decision to revert to a previous seating standard signifies that WestJet is responsive to customer preferences and needs, illustrating an evolving stance in airline seating dynamics.