Airlines are reducing legroom in economy seats without informing passengers upfront, causing discomfort for travelers. WestJet passenger Alexandra West, a frequent flyer, expressed her frustration at the lack of space in the newly reconfigured aircraft. The airline’s decision to decrease seat pitch to 28 inches from the standard 30 inches has sparked debate and concerns over passenger safety and comfort.
While WestJet emphasized the need to make air travel more accessible, some passengers like West were not informed about the reduced legroom when booking their flights. Aviation expert John Gradek highlighted the absence of regulations requiring airlines to disclose seat pitch information during booking, unlike some European carriers.
WestJet’s modifications, approved by Transport Canada, have raised evacuation concerns and potential health risks for passengers. Emily Jansson shared her harrowing experience of developing a blood clot mid-flight due to prolonged sitting in a cramped space. The lack of sufficient legroom not only affects comfort but also poses health challenges, contradicting guidelines from health organizations like the World Health Organization.
Advocates, including Gradek, call for regulations to ensure a minimum level of service, including seat pitch, on economy class flights in Canada. The current scenario, as Gradek describes it, resembles the “Wild West,” emphasizing the need for standardized guidelines to safeguard passenger well-being.