Choice...or cash grab? The debate over WestJet’s "fixed recline” seat design

Leaning back and napping on a future WestJet flight may cost you extra.

As a part of a “refreshed range of seating options,” the Calgary-based carrier, as previously reported, is rolling out a new cabin experience on its Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 aircraft that includes Standard Economy seats with a “fixed recline.”

Meaning, passengers can no longer tilt their seats back—unless they pay to upgrade “Extended Comfort” or “Premium” where the seats recline.

Global News recently investigated what “fixed recline” really means, and in a statement to the outlet, WestJet said it’s a seat that has a slight recline, but cannot be adjusted.

In a press release, WestJet said the new design is meant to “preserve personal space” for travellers.

The move also taps into a long-running debate over airplane etiquette, with many passengers divided on whether reclining a seat is a right—or just plain inconsiderate to the person behind.

More choice?

WestJet’s position is that the move offers Canadians more choice and is part of a greater strategy to keep air travel affordable.

Currently, all seats on WestJet’s 737-8 MAX and 737-800 planes are economy class, and most allow passengers to recline.

Under the airline’s new layout, the front of the cabin will feature a “Premium” section with 12 seats offering contoured cushions, reclining backs, and large headrests with four-way adjustment.

READ MORE: WestJet to roll out new cabin interiors and Wi-Fi upgrades

Behind that, an expanded “Extended Comfort” section will provide 36 seats with extra legroom and full recline.

The remaining economy section, separated by a divider, will have standard legroom and fixed-back seats that cannot recline.

While non-reclining seats can sometimes appear on international budget carriers, Canadians typically expect the ability to tilt their seat back as a standard feature.

While the “personal space” angle is certainly something many travellers will identify with, aviation industry expert John Gradek sees it another way.

“This is a cash grab by WestJet — pure and simple. These efforts are there to maximize revenue for the airline,” says Gradek, a faculty lecturer in supply networks and aviation management at McGill University, speaking with Global News.

“This is a continuing evolution of ways for airlines to add charges to their fees and basically cut back what you would normally expect to be included in your ticket. So this is not a new tactic. We’ve seen it with baggage. We see it with carry-on. We see it with meals — all kinds of stuff. So guess what? Seats were the next choice, and who knows what’s next?”

Although the “fixed recline” seats are marketed as offering a slight tilt, Gradek doubts they will recline in the way many passengers are accustomed to.

Adding one extra row

WestJet also says its redesigned economy cabin won’t offer the same experience in every row.

According to the airline, space will vary from tighter seats at the rear to more generous legroom toward the front, with “upgraded” seats featuring a more dynamic design to maximize comfort.

This new layout also allows WestJet to add an extra row of seating compared with the previous configuration.

It’s all meant to improve affordability by offering travellers options that fits every comfort and budget level,” the airline said.

That's one perspective. Gradek, on the other hand, says airlines are "trying to cram as many people as they possibly can into an aircraft" as they try to maximize revenue per passenger, and per flight, he told Global. 

“They’re testing this one, and if there’s a major public outroar as a result of people complaining about their knees and not being able to touch the floor with their toes because their knees are too close to the seat in front of them, then that could be an issue.”

“I think that this is the future of aviation. If you want space, if you want the reclining seat, if you want entertainment systems, you have to pay.”

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