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Viral Video Highlights Cramped Legroom on a WestJet Flight as Fixed‑Recline Seats Roll Out

The airline says the denser fixed‑recline layout lowers costs to create tiered seating options.

Overview

  • Amanda Rae posted the Dec. 27 clip from an Edmonton flight, and the video has drawn about 1.1 million views showing her parents unable to straighten their legs.
  • WestJet has been refitting Boeing 737‑8 MAX and 737‑800 jets with a fixed‑recline economy design that enables an extra row and offers paid upgrades for more space or recline.
  • Standard seat pitch in updated cabins is listed at 28 to 30 inches depending on the row, according to the airline’s seating charts cited in coverage.
  • Executive Samantha Taylor defended the redesign, saying it was thoughtfully designed to serve every budget and broaden product choices.
  • Daily Hive reports the carrier paused further cabin upgrades in December to prioritize winter operations after mixed feedback, with about half of the all‑economy fleet reconfigured by mid‑month.