Is reclining your airplane seat a right or a privilege?
That question is about to get a lot more relevant for travelers flying with WestJet’s new seats. The Canadian carrier is introducing new Boeing 737 cabins that will, for the first time, divide passengers into three distinct classes – and only two of those classes will be able to recline their seats.
WestJet’s move follows a growing trend among airlines to rethink the once-standard recline feature. For many travelers, the ability to tilt your seat back is a small comfort on long flights that stems from a bygone era when legroom was much more generous. It is a way to catch a nap or escape a cramped cabin. But for others, it’s become a flashpoint for in-flight frustration and even midair brawls.
So, what’s driving this shift toward upright seats, and what does it mean for the future of economy travel?
Inside WestJet’s New Seats: Recline Comes at a Cost
By the end of October, WestJet’s first refreshed Boeing 737 will enter service, debuting an updated interior and a new hierarchy of seating: Premium, Extended Comfort, and Economy. By early 2026, the remaining 42 reconfigured 737 MAX 8 and 737-800 aircraft will join the fleet with the same look and layout.
According to WestJet, the redesign aims to create a “consistent onboard experience” across its fleet, mirroring the more upscale feel of its long-haul 787 Dreamliners. The Premium section will feature 12 reclining seats identical to those found on WestJet’s Dreamliners, complete with four-way adjustable headrests and contoured cushions.
Just behind that, 36 Extended Comfort seats will also include recline capability and extra legroom. But for everyone else — those flying in the standard Economy cabin — seats will be fixed in place.
WestJet says the new Economy seats have been “thoughtfully designed” to preserve personal space, featuring adjustable headrests, better lumbar support, and a “bright and airy” cabin atmosphere. Passengers can also expect in-seat power, device holders, and redesigned lavatories and galleys.
Samantha Taylor, WestJet’s Executive Vice-President and Chief Experience Officer, said the overhaul reflects the airline’s “commitment to elevating every aspect of the travel experience.” That may be true, but some passengers may feel that elevation comes at a literal cost.
No Recline, No Problem?
While WestJet may be the carrier in focus right now for eliminating free reclining seats, it’s far from the only airline to do so. In fact, WestJet joins a long list of airlines that have already locked their seats upright for good. In the US, Allegiant Air made the switch back in 2006, followed by Spirit Airlines in 2009. Both carriers cited reduced maintenance costs and lighter seat designs as key benefits. Allegiant claims the change saves the airline $3.5 million per year in maintenance and 110,000 gallons of fuel annually due to the lower weight.
Across the Atlantic, Ryanair ditched reclining seats in 2004, a move echoed by several other European budget carriers. Even British Airways has installed fixed recline seats on select short-haul routes, describing them as “pre-reclined” — meaning, in theory, they’re already at the most comfortable angle.
Meanwhile, US legacy carriers have quietly reduced their recline range. Delta, American, Southwest, and United have trimmed the feature from the (former) standard four inches down to two.
In short, if you think seat recline is your birthright as an air traveler, you might want to check your boarding pass.
The Debate at 37,000 Feet
The “right to recline” debate has simmered for years, and not just among passengers. Surveys show that most travelers actually prefer non-reclining seats. One study found that 91% of passengers supported the idea, largely to avoid conflict and preserve legroom.
And that makes sense. Ask any tall passenger (myself included, at 6’1″) and you’ll hear the same story: when the person in front of you reclines, it’s misery. Laptop space disappears, your knees take a beating, and the already-tight confines of economy get even smaller.
Sure, reclining might feel like a small luxury, but it often comes at the expense of someone else’s comfort. Airlines that have phased out the feature report that complaints about “seat space” actually go down once recline is removed entirely. When everyone’s seatback stays put, the playing field…or, in this case, the cabin…feels a little fairer.
In fact, here’s what people are saying about WestJet’s new approach:
So perhaps WestJet’s new approach is less about charging for a privilege and more about redefining what comfort means in the modern cabin. Fewer moving parts, fewer complaints, and fewer fights over personal space might not be a bad trade-off.
Because let’s be honest: in the skies of 2025, the real luxury might not be the ability to recline — it’s having enough room to breathe.
