WestJet reverses plan to install tighter seating layout

WestJet has cancelled a denser seat configuration after feedback from employees and customers; the layout had been installed on 22 Boeing 737s and was planned for 21 more.

WestJet is undoing a recent change that added an extra row of non-reclining seats and reduced legroom on some planes. Executives decided to return those cabins to their previous layout after receiving feedback from employees and customers. The reconfiguration drew public attention after a video showing the tight fit for passengers circulated widely. The airline said it reviewed operational data and feedback as part of its decision. Key details: - The denser layout was installed on 22 Boeing 737s. - The plan had included installing the layout on 21 additional aircraft. - The revised seats were non-reclining and were reported to offer the smallest legroom among large Canadian carriers. - Staff and consumers raised safety and customer-experience concerns, and a video showing the tight fit went viral. - WestJet said it will remove one row and return to its prior standard seat pitch on the recently reconfigured aircraft after reviewing operational data and feedback. Summary: The reversal means WestJet will revert recently reconfigured cabins to their prior seat pitch, including removing the added row on affected aircraft. The decision follows staff and customer concerns and a company review of operational data. The timeline for restoring the prior layout was not specified.