Date Published: October 17, 2025, 12:54h.
Last Modified: October 17, 2025, 01:06h.
- WestJet, the Canadian airline, will implement fees for seat reclining
- The airline is modifying 43 planes to enforce a “fixed recline” seating arrangement for economy passengers
- Canadian travelers might have even more reasons to think twice about visiting Las Vegas
Canadians tired of excessive fees in Las Vegas now face another compelling reason to reconsider their travel plans — and this one originates in Canada. WestJet, the second-largest airline in Canada, has unveiled a contentious alteration to its cabin configuration that will soon require travelers to pay for the “privilege” of reclining their seats.
Beginning in early 2026, WestJet — which provides direct flights to Las Vegas from cities like Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and Edmonton — will no longer function exclusively as an all-economy airline. The airline is retrofitting 43 of its Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 planes — essentially one-third of its narrowbody fleet — introducing a new three-tier seating arrangement aimed at monetizing comfort and space.
Tiered Seating Model
WestJet’s redesign will categorize its 43 aircraft into:
1. Standard Economy (Coach)
- Seats will have a fixed-recline setup
- Limited legroom available
- Seats located at the rear of the aircraft allow for the latest disembarking
2. Extended Comfort (Business)
- A separate zone featuring 36 seats
- Reclining seats with additional legroom, power outlets
- Priority boarding and assorted other amenities
3. Premium (First Class)
- A distinct area consisting of 12 seats
- All Extended Comfort amenities included
- Contoured cushions for enhanced comfort
- Four-way adjustable headrests
- Improved food and beverage service options
The airline is marketing this change as a beneficial enhancement — a way to “maintain personal space” and “offer additional options for Canadian travelers.”
“The cabin has been carefully designed to provide WestJet’s inviting service across all budgets,” stated a WestJet representative in a press announcement. “It embodies our commitment to enhance every facet of the travel experience and satisfy demand for a broader array of product options.”
The Backlash
“This feels like a cash grab,” remarked John Gradek, an aviation management instructor at McGill University, in an interview with CBC News. “The creativity of airline marketers continuously astounds me. Their tactics to convince customers that spending more equates to greater value are relentless. Currently, it feels like you are simply paying more to obtain what was previously included.”
The first retrofitted WestJet aircraft was recently put into service, with complete implementation anticipated by early 2026. WestJet’s broader fleet strategy includes expanding its Boeing 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner inventories, with a total of 67 new aircraft scheduled for delivery by 2035.