WestJet Reverses Cramped Seats After Safety Concerns Raised
CANADA:
WestJet has reversed its plan to reduce legroom on certain flights after a viral video and a safety report raised serious concerns about passenger safety.
Safety Report Highlights Risks
In late 2025, Transport Canada received a report from a Calgary-based flight attendant warning that WestJet’s reconfigured planes posed a safety hazard. The five-page report, obtained through an Access to Information request, described a passenger trapped in a seat after a plane was modified to add an extra row, leaving limited space.
The report noted that the passenger, who had a large body frame, could not stand or exit the row without assistance, and the situation could endanger nearby passengers in case of an emergency.
Viral Video Spurs Public Debate
On Dec. 26, 2025, a video showing a family struggling with the limited legroom went viral. WestJet announced on Jan. 16, 2026, that it would revert the seating layout following widespread public criticism.
Transport Canada Response
Transport Canada responded on Dec. 30, stating that the airline was reviewing the reported hazard as part of its Safety Management System. Officials said they would continue to monitor how WestJet addresses the risk.
Passengers Express Frustration
Lindsay Noble, whose husband experienced the cramped seating in January, described the seat as unsafe and criticized the delayed government response. “I’m disappointed and frustrated. This involves passenger safety, and it should have been addressed earlier,” she said.
Expert Insight
Kamaal Zaidi, an assistant law professor at the University of Calgary, explained that airline crew often report safety concerns internally first. If unresolved, they escalate complaints to agencies like Transport Canada to ensure action is taken.
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