Particle.news
Download on the App Store

WestJet Starts 737 Cabin Retrofit That Makes Most Economy Seats Fixed-Recline

Recline becomes a paid feature with a three-tier cabin rolling out to 43 Boeing 737s through early 2026.

Overview

  • The first retrofitted aircraft enters service in October as WestJet begins a staged conversion of selected 737s.
  • Most economy seats are set to a slight, non-adjustable recline, with adjustable seatbacks limited to paid Extended Comfort and the 12-seat Premium cabin.
  • Extended Comfort provides about 34–36 inches of pitch and 2–4 inches of recline, and Premium uses the same seat type found on WestJet’s 787-9.
  • The changes apply to Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 737-800 jets, with up to 43 aircraft slated for completion by early 2026 and pricing details not yet published.
  • WestJet says the design preserves personal space based on user testing, while reactions are mixed and one industry analyst calls the move likely to backfire.