WestJet dropping non-reclinable economy seats – Business News
WestJet Airlines mentioned on Friday it would scrap non-reclinable economy seating on sure Boeing 737 jets, following a slew of complaints and videos on social media displaying vacationers’ knees pressed up towards the seats forward of them.
The Canadian service mentioned in a assertion it would return to its prior customary economy seat configuration after reviewing operational information and suggestions from vacationers.
WestJet’s rollout final 12 months of the reconfigured seats on the planes to make room for more spacious premium seating up entrance was broadly seen as a take a look at of the bounds of add-on tradition.
The Canadian service WestJet mentioned it would return to its prior customary economy seat configuration after reviewing operational information and suggestions from vacationers. WestJet/YouTube
Adjustable economy seats are nonetheless obtainable, however passengers should pay additional.
While Onex Corp-backed WestJet paused the rollout of the new configuration final month, the videos of passengers with cramped legs hit social media websites in January.
The space between the row of seats, or pitch, was lowered to twenty-eight inches to permit for an additional row of seating.
“WestJet tried seat pitches that are popular with many airlines around the globe as they serve to provide affordable airfares,” mentioned WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech in a assertion. “At the same time, it is just as important to react quickly if they don’t meet the needs of our guests.”
The transfer additionally confronted pushback from pilots and flight attendants who raised considerations over consolation and security, together with passengers’ means to securely evacuate the aircraft in case of emergency from a more confined space.
Alia Hussain, president of the union native representing WestJet cabin personnel, mentioned on Friday she is proud of WestJet’s determination to reverse course.
The transfer additionally confronted pushback from pilots and flight attendants who raised considerations over consolation and security, together with passengers’ means to securely evacuate the aircraft in case of emergency from a more confined space. russell102 – stock.adobe.com
Flight attendants confronted quite a few complaints from indignant passengers and in some circumstances needed to change the seats of some tall vacationers.
“It created a hostile working environment for us as cabin personnel,” she mentioned.
