WestJet to Charge for Reclined Seats as of October 2025

(CANADA) WestJet will begin charging for access to reclining seats on select aircraft starting in October 2025, marking a notable shift in how the airline prices comfort features on domestic and transborder routes. Under the new layout, standard economy seats on newly retrofitted planes will be fixed in a non-reclining position, while passengers who want recline will need to pay for an upgrade to the Premium cabin or the Extended Comfort section.

The first reconfigured aircraft enters service in October, with a wider rollout across 43 planes scheduled through early 2026. WestJet says the change will give customers lower base fares and clearer choices. Critics argue it’s another fee for something that used to come standard.

Reactions have been mixed online and at airports, where travelers have debated seat recline etiquette for years. Some welcome the move, saying fixed seats avoid disputes when the person in front leans back. Others are frustrated that comfort now depends on paying extra.

Fleet, rollout and what to expect during the transition

• WestJet is applying the new configuration across newly acquired Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 aircraft, which currently represent less than a third of its narrowbody fleet.
• During the transition period, the in-flight experience will vary: some planes will offer reclining seats throughout economy, while others will have non-reclining standard seats.
• The airline advises customers to check booking details to see which cabin types are available on a specific flight.

The rollout timeline:

1. October 2025 — first reconfigured aircraft enters service.
2. By early 2026 — reconfiguration complete across 43 planes.

Because equipment swaps and route assignments vary, some travelers may encounter different seat configurations on different legs of the same trip.

Policy changes overview

Under the updated cabin plan:

• Standard economy seats will not recline. WestJet says the fixed seatback design protects personal space and reduces conflicts among passengers.
• Reclining seats will be available only in:
  • Premium cabin: WestJet’s most spacious section, with full recline and premium amenities.
  • Extended Comfort: Located at the front of economy, offering about 2–4 inches of recline, extra legroom, early boarding, and dedicated overhead bin space. This section requires an extra fee.

Standard seat selection fees still apply systemwide, but the ability to recline now moves into the paid upgrade category. In practical terms, if reclining matters to you, you’ll need to select and pay for Extended Comfort or choose the Premium cabin during booking or check-in.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the shift reflects a broader pattern among carriers to separate comfort features from base fares while advertising lower entry prices.

How to identify the new layout during booking and before departure

• When shopping for flights, new cabins will show Premium and Extended Comfort options.
• Older, all-economy planes will carry an “Economy seats only” indicator, signaling the aircraft has not been reconfigured.
• For existing bookings, passengers can:
  • Check the Flight Guide within 72 hours of departure.
  • Review the check-in email for cabin details and seat features.

Impact on travelers

For different traveler types:

• Price-sensitive passengers: Could enjoy lower base fares and clearer expectations about space.
• Taller travelers or those who need recline to rest: Will face a new cost decision — pay for 2–4 inches of recline in Extended Comfort or upgrade to Premium.
• Families: May weigh upgrading one or two seats versus keeping costs down with standard economy for short flights.
• Frequent flyers and corporate travelers: May change travel policies to allow Extended Comfort or Premium on certain routes; loyalty strategies could shift to prioritize securing reclining seats.

Consumer protections:

• If a plane swap occurs and you paid for a reclining seat but get moved to a non-reclining standard seat, you may qualify for a refund of the ancillary fee under carrier policies.
• The Canadian Transportation Agency explains passenger rights and airline obligations under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations. For official guidance, visit: Canadian Transportation Agency – Air Passenger Protection Regulations.

Industry context

Airlines have steadily unbundled fares, charging separately for extras such as bags, food, and seat selection. WestJet’s decision to gate reclining seats behind an upgrade is a fresh step in that trend. If customers accept the model, other carriers could try similar setups—especially on short-haul fleets where space is tight and margins are narrow.

Practical tips for travelers booking this fall

1. During booking, look for Premium and Extended Comfort options if you want reclining seats.
2. If you see “Economy seats only,” you’re likely on an older layout where economy recline may still be available; confirm seat features in the seat map notes.
3. Within 72 hours of your flight, check the Flight Guide in your reservation and review the check-in email for cabin details and any changes to aircraft type.

Key takeaways

• On reconfigured planes, standard economy will not recline; reclining is available only in Premium and Extended Comfort.
• WestJet frames the change as providing choice and lower starting fares while reducing onboard tension caused by recline disputes.
• Critics call it a paywall for comfort that may make long flights tougher for some unless they pay more.
• The policy will likely affect corporate travel rules, family booking choices, and loyalty planning as the rollout progresses through early 2026.

For now, the key is simple: on reconfigured planes, standard economy will not recline; the Premium cabin and Extended Comfort will — and those who want the tilt will need to pay for it. WestJet says that clarity is the point.