Canadian carrier WestJet announced on 18 August 2026 that every aircraft previously configured with the controversial 180‑seat high‑density layout has been returned to a 174‑seat configuration. The airline stated, "All previously affected aircraft are now flying with 174 seats, a refreshed interior and enhanced amenities, including WestJet WiFi presented by TELUS."
The retrofit programme, originally expected to run into autumn 2026, was completed by mid‑June, well ahead of schedule. The report notes, "Instead, the airline now says it finished restoring legroom by mid‑June." This marks the end of an experiment launched in September 2025 that introduced a tighter 28‑inch seat pitch in rows 20‑31 of the economy cabin.
Passenger and crew backlash erupted late in 2025, with videos of cramped seating spreading online. WestJet initially defended the denser layout as a way to keep fares low, but paused further installations in December 2025 and, on 16 January 2026, announced it would remove a row and restore the previous standard pitch.
Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech explained the reversal: "WestJet tried seat pitches that are popular with many airlines around the globe as they serve to provide affordable airfares… it’s in our DNA to try new products. At the same time, it is just as important to react quickly if they don’t meet the needs of our guests."
After the modifications, the affected 737‑8 MAX and 737‑800 aircraft now feature a uniform 30‑inch seat pitch throughout standard economy, replacing the prior mix of 28‑, 29‑ and 30‑inch rows. The article notes, "The revised aircraft have a uniform 30” seat pitch in standard Economy, rather than the previous mix of 28", 29", and 30"." The change is expected to improve passenger comfort and close a contentious chapter for the airline.
