Airlines are quietly reducing legroom in their economy seating, making it uncomfortable for passengers without clear disclosure upfront. WestJet passenger Alexandra West noticed the change last year, expressing her dismay at the lack of space compared to previous flights. A viral video highlighted an Alberta family’s struggle with cramped seating on a recent WestJet flight due to the airline’s new seat configuration.
Despite the controversy, WestJet did not comment on the issue but mentioned that their “newly reconfigured aircraft” aimed to increase air travel availability by adjusting seat pitch in certain rows. While the standard seat pitch for Canadian airlines is 30 inches, WestJet’s reconfigured planes have reduced some economy seat rows to 28 inches without informing passengers during booking.
Aviation expert John Gradek highlighted the absence of regulations requiring airlines to disclose seat pitch to passengers, unlike some European carriers. WestJet’s Transport Canada-approved 28-inch pitch seats have raised safety concerns, potentially hindering emergency evacuations and passenger comfort.
In addition to safety worries, health risks like blood clots due to prolonged sitting in tight spaces have alarmed passengers. Legal analyst Emily Jansson shared her harrowing experience of suffering a cardiac arrest mid-flight after developing a blood clot from extended immobility. She emphasized the importance of adequate legroom for passengers’ health and safety, urging for regulatory standards to ensure a minimum level of service in economy class flights.
Critics argue that shrinking legroom not only compromises comfort but also jeopardizes passenger well-being during long flights, contravening health guidelines that recommend regular movement to prevent health issues. Establishing regulations on seat pitch disclosure in Canada is advocated to safeguard passenger rights and ensure a more transparent and comfortable flying experience.
