WestJet halts seating overhaul after half its fleet reconfigured, varying legroom

December 14, 2025 at 01:00 PM•2 min read

WestJet paused its fleet seating overhaul after half was completed, leading to varied legroom and passenger uncertainty.

Key Points

1WestJet paused its fleet-wide seating reconfiguration after modifying about half its aircraft by mid-December.
2Passengers face inconsistent legroom on WestJet flights due to the partial fleet overhaul, creating a "luck of the draw" scenario.
3The new seating plan, including fixed-back seats, has drawn criticism from passengers and the CUPE union.
4Regulatory bodies currently do not mandate specific legroom requirements for airlines beyond basic fit.

WestJet has temporarily halted its fleet-wide seating reconfiguration project, with approximately half of its aircraft, including Boeing 737 Max 8s, already modified by mid-December. The airline cited the busy winter travel season and a need to monitor guest feedback and operational performance as reasons for the pause. This decision has resulted in an inconsistent passenger experience, where travelers face a "luck of the draw" situation regarding legroom and seat comfort depending on the specific aircraft assigned to their flight. The overhaul is slated to resume in the spring.

The new seating plan, announced in September, introduces a tiered structure: premium reclining seats, extended comfort seats with more legroom but no recline, and standard seating with varied space and fixed backs. Passenger Mahala Swisterski highlighted the disparity, noting a significant difference in legroom on two WestJet Boeing 737 Max 8 flights taken a week apart. Her experience on a reconfigured aircraft, where she is 5'8", necessitated sitting with angled legs due to reduced space. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing WestJet's contingent, has also raised concerns about the new seating's impact on passengers with mobility issues and potential "guest frustration" for employees.

Aviation analyst John Gradek characterized these seating changes as part of a broader trend of "junk fees" that generate substantial revenue for airlines. He emphasized the current uncertainty for passengers booking tickets, as the partial fleet reconfiguration means they cannot guarantee the type of seating they will encounter. While air passenger rights advocate Gábor Lukács confirms that airlines must provide a seat a passenger can fit into, there are no specific regulatory requirements for legroom or overall comfort. Regulators have largely refrained from dictating service standards or aircraft density, leaving such decisions to the airlines. Swisterski, frustrated by the need to "fly premium in order to fly comfortably," is now reconsidering her future travel with WestJet.