Feeling cramped on your next flight? You're not alone. Recent changes to WestJet's plane configurations have sparked a wave of complaints, but are they really as bad as everyone says? Let's dive in.
It seems that the new layouts, which cram more seats into the aircraft by reducing legroom, might actually be perfect for a select few. Think above-the-knee amputees, toddlers, or perhaps those who find physical discomfort oddly comforting.
But here's where it gets controversial: while the cost of a seat hasn't decreased, passengers now have to pay extra for rows that accommodate adult-sized humans.
This new design, with its non-reclining backrests and a mere 28 inches between seats, first caught public attention in December. A viral TikTok video showed a couple struggling to fit their legs in the limited space, highlighting the lack of legroom.
WestJet executives, in a sort of social experiment, tested the seats themselves. They acknowledged the challenges, especially on long-haul flights, but deemed the configuration acceptable.
This brings up a key point: Advocates are concerned about both accessibility and safety. Passengers might struggle to get to the bathroom or exit quickly during an emergency. However, it's worth noting that WestJet offers free pretzels, which, let's be honest, is a pretty good deal.
So, why the change? WestJet, along with Air Canada, dominates the Canadian airspace. They control between 56 and 78 percent of domestic traffic at major airports. This duopoly allows them to make these kinds of changes.
The Competition Bureau has recommended measures to encourage competition, like allowing more foreign investment. However, officials from Transport Canada haven't shown much interest in these options.
And this is the part most people miss: Canadians are getting the worst of both worlds – the discomfort of ultra-low-cost carriers (no carry-on, limited legroom, non-reclining seats) without the ultra-low-cost fares.
But hey, if you're a toddler, none of this matters! Your legs don't need to bend, you get free pretzels, and you're probably already wearing a diaper.
What do you think? Are these new configurations a necessary evil, or a step too far? Share your thoughts in the comments!
