"Can't Stretch Legs, Fixed Seatbacks"... Canadian Airline Faces Backlash Over 'Chicken Coop Seats' and Backs Down

Reduced Seat Pitch by 5 cm Below Economy Class Average
Passenger Complaints Surge Over Cramped Seating
"One Row to Be Removed to Restore Original Layout"

WestJet, a Canadian low-cost airline, significantly reduced the space between seats, but eventually reversed the decision after facing a flood of complaints from both passengers and staff.

According to Fox Business on the 19th (local time), WestJet announced on the 16th, "After reviewing operational data and feedback from passengers and WestJet employees, we will remove one row of seats in order to restore the previous standard seat pitch in our recently reconfigured economy class cabins." The airline added, "We have begun converting all 180-seat aircraft to a 174-seat layout," and noted that "the completion date has not yet been determined."

Seat view of WestJet, a Canadian low-cost airline. The space is so narrow that passengers' knees touch the seat in front. Screenshot from social media.

Previously, in September of last year, WestJet reconfigured the seating on 43 Boeing 737 aircraft, reducing the seat pitch to 28 inches (approximately 71 cm) and adding an extra row. As a result, the total number of seats increased, but the space for passengers to stretch their legs was noticeably reduced. In addition, the seat backs could no longer be reclined. At the time the policy was announced, Samantha Taylor, Vice President of WestJet, explained that "the seating arrangement was carefully designed to provide warm service to all customers."

Meanwhile, earlier this month, a video filmed by a passenger on a WestJet flight was posted on the online community Reddit, sparking further controversy. The video showed the space between seats so narrow that the knees of an elderly couple were almost pressed against the seatback in front of them.

The person who shared the video expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating, "Since WestJet changed its seat configuration, this is all the legroom you get on a basic fare ticket." Viewers responded with comments such as, "In the event of an unexpected emergency landing, this could lead to a major accident," and, "An airplane is not a chicken coop, but this looks even smaller than the space for a single chicken," raising concerns about safety issues.

The trend of shrinking economy class seats has been ongoing throughout the airline industry. According to the American Economic Freedom Project, the seat pitch of major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines has decreased by an average of 2 to 5 inches (about 5 to 12 cm) since the 1980s.

Currently, the average seat pitch in standard economy class is about 30 to 32 inches (approximately 76 to 81 cm). The average seat width is 17 to 18 inches (about 43 to 46 cm), though this varies by airline and aircraft type. However, some low-cost carriers reportedly offer seat pitches as narrow as 28 inches (about 71 cm). Aviation experts point out, "Reducing seat pitch is not just an inconvenience; it can also pose safety risks during emergency evacuations," emphasizing the need for regulatory standards to be established.