Passenger legroom on WestJet prompts debate over regulation

A viral TikTok shows a tall passenger cramped on a WestJet flight where some rows were reconfigured to a 28-inch seat pitch; WestJet says it paused plans to add more non-reclining seats after feedback.

A family’s viral video of a cramped WestJet flight has reignited discussion about how much legroom airlines provide and whether federal rules are needed. The video shows Manfred Schmidt, who is about 6'3" and 220 pounds, struggling in an ultra-basic, non-reclining seat on a Dec. 26, 2025 flight from Edmonton to Toronto. WestJet described the airplane as a newly reconfigured aircraft and said some rows have a reduced seat pitch to fit an extra row. The company later paused plans to install non-reclining seats more widely after receiving negative feedback. Reported details: - The family bought ultra-basic economy seats that were non-reclining, and a TikTok video posted by their daughter captured the passenger’s discomfort. - Flight attendants later allowed the passenger to move to a seat with more legroom during that flight. - WestJet said the airplane shown is newly reconfigured and that some rows on certain aircraft have a 28-inch seat pitch. - The airline announced a pause in plans to install non-reclining seats after receiving negative feedback and said it is listening to customer comments. - The WestJet pilots’ union said Transport Canada approved the 28-inch reconfiguration on 22 of the airline’s nearly 200 aircraft but expressed concern that the change reduces previous safety margins and affects the guest experience. - Aviation expert John Gradek said a 30-inch pitch is typical in Canada and noted there are no federal rules governing how much space airlines must provide between seats; Transport Canada did not respond to requests for comment by deadline. Summary: The video has prompted public debate about passenger legroom and whether government standards are needed, and it drew responses from WestJet and the pilots’ union. WestJet has said it paused further installations of non-reclining seats and is reviewing feedback; the question of federal regulation is undetermined at this time.