WestJet is halting major cabin reconfigurations to its economy-only aircraft amid backlash to the introduction of non-reclining seats. In September, the airline announced that it was upgrading the cabins of its Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 aircraft, aiming to provide travellers with various seating options at different price points on flights. Part of this revamp included new economy seats with adjustable headrests and enhanced cushion and back support with a fixed recline design that "helps preserve personal space." This means that passengers who choose the economy class price point won't be able to move their seats further back. Essentially, customers who want fully reclining seats will have to pay extra. In an email statement, a WestJet spokesperson said that by Dec. 15, approximately half of the carrier's all-economy fleet has been reconfigured to reflect this new cabin layout. "This important step will bring our fleet into alignment, ensuring we are able to offer a consistent product for our guests with new high-speed WestJet WIFI presented by Telus, a modernized Premium Cabin and Extended Comfort seating," stated the spokesperson. However, many flyers aren't impressed by this change. The airline has been facing backlash online from frustrated travellers. "EXACTLY WHY I STOPPED USING ⁦[WestJet] THEY ARE THIEVES!!!" one person posted on X. EXACTLY WHY I STOPPED USING ⁦ @WestJet ⁩ THEY ARE THIEVES!!! I’ve had enough of them charging for everything that should automatically come with an tix!! #BoycottWestjet WestJet removes reclining seats in coach, adds premium & extended-comfort sections https://t.co/hO0TgLYKX2 — CateBee (@bee_cate) October 15, 2025 "WestJet charges full service carrier pricing with low cost carrier amenities, legroom and service and hidden fees everywhere. Used to be a good airline, but has fallen so far," added another. The worst part is the new seats have 2 inches less pitch (legroom), worst in NA. Awful idea. WestJet charges full service carrier pricing with low cost carrier amenities, legroom and service and hidden fees everywhere. Used to be a good airline, but has fallen so far. — Greg (@TravelsofGreg) December 13, 2025 One WestJet passenger detailed their experience flying on the revamped planes with ultra slim-line seats. "The seats do not recline, and flight attendants laughed when another guest asked if they did. The seat pitch (leg room) is decreased, with your kneecaps often resting against the row in front of you, unless you sit up straight," reads a post on Reddit. "And if you sit up straight, this leads to lower back pain after about an hour; these seats are not ergonomic and provide little cushioning to their predecessors." My experience flying on the newly reconfigured WestJet Boeing 737 with ultra slim-line seats by u/SkierJC in westjet After months of negative feedback from passengers, the carrier announced last Friday that it will pause the upgrades. The spokesperson stated that the reason for the pause is to "ensure our aircraft are available to support our operations during the peak winter travel season." WestJet said that it will resume reconfiguring its all-economy aircraft in the spring. "Throughout this winter, we will also be monitoring guest feedback and assessing the operational performance of the reconfigured aircraft to learn more about how this product is performing in the market," the spokesperson explained. So, travellers will have to wait and see if their grievances with the non-reclining seats will be addressed by the airline. WestJet isn't the only major Canadian airline that has faced criticisms over non-reclining seats. Last week, a passenger called out Air Canada for "uncomfortable" non-reclining seats he paid full price for. What do you think about paying extra for reclining seats? Let us know in the comments.