WestJet Introduces New Seating Options: Premium, Extended Comfort, and Fixed Recline Economy
WestJet, a budget airline based in Calgary, Alberta, has announced plans to reconfigure 43 of its Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 aircraft with new seating options. The Premium and Extended Comfort sections will have seats that recline, while the Standard Economy seats will have fixed backs. The Premium cabin will feature ergonomically contoured seats with adjustable headrests, similar to those on the airline's Dreamliner fleet.
The decision to offer seats with fixed recline comes after guest user testing revealed that some passengers prefer not to have their space encroached upon by reclining seats. The new seating layout will provide more options for passengers, with choices ranging from less space at the back to more space near the front of the cabin.
While the concept of seats that don't recline is not new for budget airlines, some travelers have expressed concerns about the lack of recline on longer flights. The new seating system is expected to create more space for an additional row of seats, potentially lowering ticket prices. However, critics argue that the changes may benefit the airline more than its passengers.
The first reconfigured aircraft is set to debut later this month, with the remaining 42 planes scheduled for early next year. WestJet's move to introduce fixed recline seats reflects a shift in the airline industry towards providing more options for passengers while also optimizing space and cost efficiency.