Does WestJet's 28-inch seat pitch violate passenger safety standards?

January 7, 2026 at 10:37 PM•2 min read

WestJet's new aircraft layout, featuring a 28-inch seat pitch, sparked passenger rights concerns, leading to calls for Transport Canada to mandate minimum seating regulations.

Key Points

1WestJet's reconfigured Boeing 737 aircraft feature a minimum seat pitch of 28 inches, the tightest among major Canadian carriers.
2There are currently no Transport Canada regulations mandating a minimum seat pitch on commercial aircraft, despite calls from passenger-rights advocates.
3The controversy raises concerns over passenger safety, emergency evacuation, and health risks like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
4WestJet defends the layout, stating the pitch is in line with other North American airlines and helps keep airfares affordable.

A viral social media video has sparked passenger rights concerns in Canada. The video shows passengers struggling for legroom on a newly reconfigured WestJet aircraft. This incident has renewed calls for Transport Canada regulations on seating space. The airline is reconfiguring 43 of its Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 aircraft. The goal is to add an extra row of seats.

The Seat Pitch Controversy

Seat pitch measures the distance between a point on one seat and the same point on the seat in front. WestJet's new layout includes pitches from 28 to 38 inches. The 28-inch pitch is the lowest seen in Canada. WestJet defends the change as necessary to keep fares low. They also claim the pitch is in line with other North American airlines. Ultra-low-cost carriers like Frontier and Spirit also use 28-inch pitch.

However, Canadian competitors offer more space. Porter Airlines maintains a minimum seat pitch of 30 inches. Air Canada’s smallest pitch is 29 inches. Flair Airlines, an ultra-low-cost carrier, also uses a 29-inch minimum. The 28-inch pitch is being called a "new low". The airline temporarily paused reconfiguration due to public feedback.

Regulatory Gap and Safety Concerns

Currently, there are no Canadian regulations setting a minimum seat pitch. Air passenger-rights advocate Gabor Lukacs has called for new rules. He argues that a minimum standard is needed for passenger safety.

Concerns focus on the ability to exit quickly in an emergency. Tighter seating may also pose risks for passengers with mobility issues. The Foundation for Aviation Safety noted that cramped seating can pose health risks. This includes the potential for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

WestJet maintains that all modifications meet Transport Canada's rigorous airworthiness standards. They are monitoring guest and employee feedback closely. In the United States, the FAA sought public comment on seat size in 2022. This shows a growing regulatory focus on the issue. Industry bodies like IATA often discuss cabin standards. The push for minimum seat pitch standards is a key issue in commercial aviation news today. Read more industry analysis on this and other topics in aviation news.

Transport Canada did not immediately respond to a request for comment.