Sisi Chan

WestJet pauses installing non-reclining seats after blowback — for now

WestJet has halted its move to install non-reclining seats in response to opposition from employees and passengers.

In September, the airline originally proposed a rearrangement on 43 Boeing 737s to cater for an extra row while distinguishing different cabin classes and their respective pricing tiers.

This reconfiguration would result in less leg room and a more uncompromising seat design.

A recent internal memo to WestJet’s employees stated plans to proceed with the new seating arrangements on only 22 planes, ensuring further feedback was obtained from staff and customers.

The proposed changes attracted significant criticism from flight crews and passengers alike.

A commentary from the union drew parallels between WestJet’s decreased legroom and the conditions of ultra-low-cost airlines, highlighting the problems this might present for certain guest categories.

Potential issues include passenger dissatisfaction, with potential ramifications for the crew’s rest time and overall performance.

In response, WestJet has decided to temporarily halt the reconfiguration plans, choosing to collaborate with union representatives to better understand the implications.

This pause is planned to take effect immediately, with all aircraft in the fleet needed to accommodate the holiday travel demand.

WestJet may consider resuming the reconfiguration strategy in Spring, however, any decisions will be based on continual monitoring of customer feedback.

A detailed outline of the new seating arrangement on the 43 jets indicated that the plan was intended to cater to a wide range of passenger preferences.