WestJet to charge Passengers Extra to Recline Seats, Sparking Travel Debate
CALGARY – โคCanadian airline โWestJet is facing backlash โafter announcing it will begin charging passengers โขan additional fee to recline their seats, a move โขcritics are calling a nickel-and-diming tactic that diminishes the flyingโค experience. The airline framedโฃ the charge โฃas a โคway to offer more choice, allowing those who prioritize legroom to pay for the privilege while others โขcan avoid the fee.
the โpolicy, which is being rolled outโ on select routes, comes as airlines worldwide increasingly explore ancillary revenue streamsโฃ to boost profits. While WestJet hasn’t disclosed the exact cost of โฃreclining, the move has ignited a โdebate about basicโค passenger rights and the evolving economics ofโ air travel. โThe airline stated, “We need little to travel stopped,” suggesting a need to generate revenue fromโฃ all available options.โค
The trend โฃisn’t limited to Canada.โฃ In Colombia,Avianca has recently reconfigured its cabins to include โฃPremium,Plus,and Economy seating options. latam offersโฃ “Latam+” – an Economy Plus product – providing increased legroom, greaterโ seat recline, and priority โboarding. Even budget carrier Wingo provides aโฃ “Travel Together” option for couples seeking guaranteed adjacent seating at a reduced cost compared to individualโ seat selections.
This latest growth underscores a broader shift in the airline industry, where passengers are increasingly paying for amenities โขonce considered โฃstandard, โขsuch as baggage allowance,โค seat selection, and now, the ability to โrecline. The changes are โฃlikely to continue as airlines seek to navigate rising fuel costs and competitiveโ pressures.
