WestJet Reverses Densified Seating After Viral Backlash — Removes Added Row, Restores Seat Pitch

WestJet announced on Jan. 16 that it will undo a controversial "densified seating" layout in select economy cabins, removing one recently added row and restoring the airline's prior standard seat pitch on affected Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 aircraft.

Background

In September, the Canadian carrier revealed plans to reconfigure cabins on its previously all-economy 737-8 MAX and 737-800 jets by installing ultra slim-line seats. The slimmer seats were intended to create space for an additional row and help offer more affordable fares.

WestJetWestJet's economy cabin configuration

Why WestJet Reversed Course

After pausing the reconfiguration work in December 2025 and planning a final evaluation for mid-February, WestJet accelerated its review in response to operational data and guest and employee feedback. On Jan. 16 the airline said it will remove the added row and return the affected planes to their prior seat pitch.

"Following a review of operational data and feedback from guests and WestJetters, the airline will return to its prior standard seat pitch for economy cabins on these recently reconfigured aircraft by removing one row of seats," the company said in a press release.

Public Reaction

Public criticism intensified after social media clips circulated showing passengers struggling with the slimmer seats. A widely shared TikTok by Amanda Schmidt, which shows her father having difficulty fitting into an economy seat, has surpassed one million views and sparked thousands of comments condemning the layout.

Andrew Chin/GettyThree WestJet planes on a runway in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.

"If they're selling a seat for a human, it should fit a human," Schmidt told CBS News. "It's inhumane, basically, to make people travel like this."

Leadership And Crew Response

WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said the airline tested seat pitches used by many carriers globally as a way to enable lower fares, but emphasized the company must act when those changes do not meet guest needs.

"WestJet tried seat pitches that are popular with many airlines around the globe as they serve to provide affordable airfares," von Hoensbroech said. "At the same time, it is just as important to react quickly if they don’t meet the needs of our guests."

The decision was welcomed by CUPE 8125, the Calgary-based union representing more than 4,700 WestJet and Encore cabin crew. CUPE 8125 president Alia Hussain said crew members experienced more frequent escalated interactions with passengers and increased physical and emotional strain under the reconfigured layout.

"Our members have been telling us very clearly that these reconfigured aircraft led to increased tensions onboard, more frequent escalated interactions with guests, and significant physical and emotional strain," Hussain said. "We remain hopeful that this signals a shift toward a more collaborative dialogue going forward. When frontline realities are taken seriously, everyone benefits: the operation, the guest, and the workforce."

Regulatory Context And Reach

Reports from the CBC note that federal safety regulations in Canada do not specify a minimum seat pitch, leaving airlines to set interior standards within safety rules. WestJet currently serves 19 U.S. states in addition to Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, according to the company's website.

What Comes Next

WestJet said it will remove the extra row on the recently reconfigured aircraft and restore the previous seat pitch. The airline has moved to provide clarity to guests and employees more quickly than originally planned.