‘A new low’: Questions raised about reconfigured WestJet seating following viral video

The union representing WestJet flight attendants says it wasn't consulted before the company reduced legroom between rows.

Following a viral video of an Edmonton-area couple with minimal legroom on a recent WestJet flight, questions have arisen about what regulations there are for airlines when it comes to seating.

Turns out, there aren’t any.

John Gradek, lecturer in aviation management at McGill University, said there is essentially no oversight or governance associated with seat pitch, which is the distance between seats measured in inches.

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“There’s a lot of regulatory work and certifications required for the actual design and engineering and installation of an acceptable seat,” said Gradek. “How much space you put in between seats is not regulated … that’s an obvious shortcoming of regulation.”

Most aircraft have a seat pitch ranging from 30 to 32 inches. WestJet’s reconfigured aircraft have a pitch of 28 inches.

“This 28 is a new low,” said Gradek. “The amount of space that you have as a taller Canadian, as a heavier Canadian, these seats are not really designed for you to basically have a very comfortable journey on a WestJet flight.”

The Foundation for Aviation Safety says sitting for prolonged periods, especially in cramped airline seats, can pose health risks such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

DVT is a blood clot that forms in the body’s deep veins, primarily in the legs. The clot can become a serious health risk if it travels to the heart or lungs.

Transport Canada is responsible for aviation safety and setting the standards for aircraft designs.

“Any interior reconfiguration that could affect an aircraft’s safety including changes that affect evacuation performance, weight and balance, emergency exits, or approved seating capacity is subject to Transport Canada’s certification and approval processes,” said the authority in a statement Thursday.

Issues related to passenger comfort, customer experience, or airline business decisions do not fall within Transport Canada’s mandate, but are overseen by the Canadian Transport Agency (CTA) under the Canada Transportation Act, said the statement.

But the CTA says otherwise.

“Air travel safety and aircraft configuration are within the purview of Transport Canada,” said the CTA in an email.

In December, WestJet paused its move to install non-reclining seats on a large chunk of its fleet after facing backlash from staff and passengers.

The pause resulted in the airline reconfiguring just 21 of its 43 aircraft that were initially slated for the update.

WestJet announced multiple aircraft reconfiguration plans in September, including the addition of non-reclining seats and sections with less legroom.

The airline said reconfigured aircraft underwent an “extensive safety and certification process” with all modifications completed in accordance with Transport Canada’s standards.

Gradek says less legroom is also a problem for flight attendants who aren’t able to see if personal items are stowed safely under the seat in front.

“Flight attendants are concerned about the impact of some of the regulations they have to enforce on the airplane,” said Gradek.

CUPE 8125, the union representing cabin personnel, has raised concerns directly with WestJet.

“WestJet cabin personnel are concerned about the impact that increasingly confined cabin spaces may have on safety, both for passengers and for the crew responsible for conducting required safety and security checks on board,” said union president Alia Hussain in a statement.

WestJet did not consult with the union or cabin personnel on its aircraft reconfiguration, said Hussain, adding that requests were made for risk assessments and review to be conducted.

Gradek expressed concern about the ability for passengers to get out of their seats in a safe and timely manner in the event of an emergency evacuation.

“The question is: Where do you stop? What is the minimum level of service that customers can expect from buying an airline ticket?” Gradek said.

When purchasing a flight with WestJet and selecting an economy seat, there is no confirmation on what seat you’ll get or how much legroom you’ll have.

“They don’t know what the airplane is going to be specifically on the date you’re flying … so they can’t tell you whether it’s going to be 31 inch, 30 inch or 28 inch. Only when you get on the airplane,” said Gradek.

Determining whether a person can fit into a seat comfortably or not will likely be left up to the flight attendants.

“There’s going to be a lot of consternation and a lot of angst by passengers because they’ve been sold on one set of expectations on seat pitch and when they actually get on the airplane, it may be different,” said Gradek.

In a statement, a WestJet spokesperson said trying new products is integral to offering affordable airfares.

“All modifications were completed in accordance with Transport Canada’s rigorous airworthiness standards and WestJet’s own high internal safety requirements in addition to undergoing an extensive safety and certification process.

“We are closely monitoring both WestJetter and guest feedback to assess the product’s performance, comfort and suitability, while ensuring our unwavering commitment to safety remains at the forefront of every decision we make.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Miriam Valdes-Carletti