Airline's changes to plane seats raise concerns after viral clip

A family shared a video of cramped UltraBasic seats on a WestJet flight, prompting social media concerns and questions about seat legality.

A family shared footage of a cramped seating experience on a WestJet flight from Edmonton to Toronto on 26 December. The video, posted to Reddit, shows two passengers in UltraBasic economy seats unable to straighten their knees beneath the seat in front. WestJet introduced the UltraBasic fare in 2024 as a lower-priced, no-frills option with restrictions on carry-on and boarding while allowing some paid extras. The clip prompted public comment about comfort and safety, and WestJet was contacted for comment. Key reported details: - The footage was filmed by a passenger’s daughter and shows the pair in non-reclining UltraBasic seats, with the father saying he could not straighten his knees. - The UltraBasic fare was first offered in 2024 and is described by the airline as a lowest-priced, no-frills option with limited included services and paid add-ons. - Some social media commenters said the new economy seats have a 28-inch pitch, and several users questioned comfort and legality; these claims were presented by commenters rather than confirmed by regulators. - The Daily Mail article notes WestJet was contacted for a response but does not report a reply or any regulatory action. Summary: The video has prompted public discussion about seating space on WestJet’s UltraBasic option and raised questions about design and safety. There is no confirmed regulatory response reported and WestJet was contacted for comment. Undetermined at this time.