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WestJet Reverses Seat Spacing Cut After Customer Backlash

1/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

WestJet Airlines reversed its plan to reduce seat spacing on its Boeing 737 fleet after backlash.
The reconfiguration would have added an extra row and reduced legroom to 28 inches.
WestJet will restore the original seating layout, reducing seats from 180 to 174.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees welcomed the change, citing cabin crew tensions during rollout.
WestJet's chief executive acknowledged the miscalculation and emphasized aligning with customer needs.

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Story summary

WestJet Airlines reversed its plan to reduce seat spacing on its Boeing 737 fleet after backlash.
The reconfiguration would have added an extra row and reduced legroom to 28 inches.
WestJet will restore the original seating layout, reducing seats from 180 to 174.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees welcomed the change, citing cabin crew tensions during rollout.
WestJet's chief executive acknowledged the miscalculation and emphasized aligning with customer needs.