WestJet Introduces Pay-to-Recline Seats
WestJet announced passengers must now pay extra to recline their seats as part of its new aircraft cabin reconfiguration project.
The Canadian budget airline is redesigning its Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 aircraft to create a more modern onboard experience. Economy seats will feature a fixed-recline design, allowing travellers to preserve personal space while maintaining consistent comfort throughout the flight duration.
The refreshed layout introduces Premium class seats with reclining backs, four-way adjustable headrests, and ergonomically contoured cushions for enhanced comfort. This premium seat design matches those installed on WestJet’s long-haul 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, ensuring a consistent product across its international fleet.
Extended Comfort and Cabin Efficiency
WestJet’s new Extended Comfort section offers thirty-six seats with extra legroom, separated from economy by a divider but without recline. Passengers in this section enjoy additional space without compromising the airline’s goal to maximise efficiency and affordability for budget-conscious travellers.
The cabin redesign allows WestJet to add one extra seating row, reducing per-seat costs while maintaining passenger satisfaction and onboard service.
Executive Vice-President Samantha Taylor said “The cabin refresh reflects the airline’s ongoing commitment to elevate experiences for every budget and preference.” She emphasised “WestJet’s mission to balance comfort, affordability, and personal space, offering guests an improved travel experience across all price points.”
Customer Feedback and Industry Trends
WestJet Rewards members and staff tested the new seating options in early trials, helping select the most comfortable and practical designs. Feedback gathered during prototype testing in 2025 shaped the final rollout, influencing training programmes and preparation for passenger-facing launches.
The updated cabin design includes complimentary Wi-Fi access for WestJet Rewards members, further enhancing the in-flight experience for loyal travellers worldwide. The airline believes its new seat structure will make tickets cheaper by increasing aircraft capacity without significantly reducing passenger comfort overall.
Founded in 1994, WestJet continues expanding globally, offering affordable flights from London and Edinburgh to major Canadian cities like Calgary and Toronto.