Overview
- WestJet plans to reconfigure 43 Boeing 737s with an added row and tiered cabin, and 21 aircraft already carry the denser layout.
- A dozen economy rows now have 28-inch pitch with fixed recline, below the 29–30 inches typical at major Canadian carriers, while higher-priced extended comfort and premium sections gain extra space.
- Pilot and flight attendant unions say the tighter cabin reduces safety margins for evacuations and complicates crew tasks, though they acknowledge it meets regulations.
- WestJet says the modifications passed Transport Canada’s airworthiness certification and that the airline is monitoring feedback from travelers and staff.
- Canada has no rule requiring airlines to disclose seat pitch at booking, prompting calls for clearer standards as consumers report difficulty fitting in the new rows.