Airlines have been quietly reducing the space in economy seating on some planes, making the already tight quarters even more cramped. The changes are not typically disclosed to passengers upfront during booking. WestJet frequent flyer Alexandra West shared her experience of struggling to fit comfortably in economy seats due to reduced legroom. WestJet’s new seat configuration, which includes a decreased seat pitch in some rows, sparked controversy after a viral video showed a passenger struggling with limited legroom on a recent flight.
Despite WestJet not responding to interview requests, the airline stated that the cramped seating was a result of their “newly reconfigured aircraft” aimed at increasing accessibility by accommodating an extra row of seats. The standard seat pitch for Canadian airlines is 30 inches, but in WestJet’s reconfigured planes, some rows in economy class offer only 28 inches of legroom. Passengers like West were not informed about this change when booking their flights.
Aviation expert John Gradek noted that unlike some European airlines that clearly disclose a 28-inch seat pitch when booking, Canadian airlines lack such transparency. WestJet’s decision to install 28-inch pitch seats, while meeting safety regulations, may compromise comfort and safety during emergencies due to restricted space for evacuation.
Concerns have also been raised about health risks associated with prolonged sitting in cramped conditions, such as the formation of blood clots. Passengers like Emily Jansson shared harrowing experiences of developing health complications mid-flight due to limited legroom. The World Health Organization recommends frequent leg movement during long flights to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Experts advocate for regulations to mandate a minimum level of service, including seat pitch, in economy class flights to ensure passenger comfort and safety. The need for greater transparency and regulations in Canada’s aviation industry is highlighted to address the shrinking legroom issue effectively.
