Canadian budget airline WestJet is planning to introduce a new seating configuration that will charge passengers extra for reclining seats, sparking debate over whether the change enhances customer choice or is simply a revenue-boosting tactic. The airline confirmed that its redesigned Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 aircraft will include a premium cabin featuring reclining seats, a mid-tier “Comfort” section, and a standard economy class where most seats will have fixed recline. This means that passengers flying in standard economy will no longer be able to lean back unless they pay for an upgrade.
The overhaul is part of WestJet’s broader plan to appeal to a variety of budgets while expanding revenue options. According to The US Sun, the airline described its updated cabin as having a “bright, airy atmosphere” with redesigned seats offering improved cushioning and adjustable headrests. The new layout will feature 12 premium seats with adjustable recline and more legroom, alongside a larger number of fixed-recline economy seats. WestJet claims this range of options is meant to give travellers more flexibility when choosing their level of comfort.
Samantha Taylor, WestJet’s Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer, defended the decision by saying that the refreshed cabin design “caters to our guests’ diverse preferences.” She explained that passengers can choose between premium seating with added legroom and amenities or more affordable fares with less space, describing the move as part of WestJet’s effort to modernise its in-flight experience and respond to shifting passenger expectations.
However, aviation experts have sharply criticised the move. John Gradek, an aviation management lecturer at McGill University, called the new seating model a “cash grab” and argued that it is primarily intended to maximise profit rather than improve comfort. He noted that airlines have a long history of introducing new fees under the guise of customer choice, pointing to similar trends in baggage, meal, and carry-on charges. Gradek added that the latest move is simply “the next step” in airlines’ ongoing efforts to generate more revenue from basic passenger expectations.
The redesign will also allow WestJet to fit an additional row of seats on its aircraft, increasing passenger capacity but further reducing legroom in the standard economy section. Critics say this trade-off prioritises financial gain over passenger comfort, particularly for long-haul travellers. Despite the backlash, WestJet maintains that the reconfiguration aligns with global industry trends and offers customers more freedom to customise their travel experience based on budget and preference.
Founded in 1996, WestJet operates a fleet of about 200 aircraft serving over 100 destinations across North America, Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of Asia. The airline confirmed that the first of its 43 planes equipped with the new cabin design will enter service in October 2025, marking the start of a phased rollout expected to reshape the carrier’s in-flight experience over the following year.
