WestJet Scraps Plan for Tighter Seat Layout After Backlash
WestJet has canceled its plan to implement a tighter seat layout on its aircraft after receiving public backlash. The airline, which is Canada’s second-largest carrier, aimed to make air travel more affordable by adding extra seats to certain planes. However, this decision sparked significant frustration among passengers.
Public Backlash Against Densified Seating
A video posted by Amanda Schmidt garnered over one million views. The footage showed her parents struggling to fit into their WestJet seats. Schmidt criticized the company, stating, “If they’re selling a seat for a human, it should fit a human.” She described the experience as “inhumane.”
Details of the Seat Configuration
Since October, WestJet added an extra row of seats to approximately two dozen aircraft. This reconfiguration reduced the space between rows by about two inches. Despite the intention to lower ticket prices, the move was met with widespread dissatisfaction from travelers.
WestJet’s Response
In response to the backlash, WestJet announced it would revert to its previous seating arrangement. The airline plans to remove one row of seats from the affected aircraft, reducing the total from 180 to 174 seats.
CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech stated, “It’s in our DNA to try new products. At the same time, it is just as important to react quickly if they don’t meet the needs of our guests.”
Industry Context
WestJet is not alone in its attempt to increase capacity on flights. Other airlines, such as Spirit and Frontier, have been criticized for their seating arrangements. Spirit Airlines has non-reclining seats, while Frontier’s seats are labeled as “pre-reclined.”
Experts, including former NTSB chair Robert Sumwalt, express concerns about the implications of reduced seat space in emergency situations. Sumwalt noted that tighter seating could hinder evacuations during emergencies.
Regulatory Landscape
Currently, there are no federal requirements in the U.S. regulating seat size or spacing on aircraft. This lack of regulation allows low-cost carriers to prioritize capacity over comfort as they seek to maximize profits.
WestJet has not disclosed a timeline for when the adjustments to its seating will be completed, but the decision reflects a broader trend in the airline industry regarding customer comfort and safety.
