Ava McDonnell
Canadian airline WestJet is now charging passengers extra to recline their seats. This new policy affects select aircraft, including those flying to and from Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale.
The change applies to Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 jets, which serve popular Florida–Canada routes such as Orlando to Toronto and Tampa to Calgary.
What’s Changing
WestJet has redesigned its cabins to include fixed-back economy seats, meaning standard economy passengers can no longer recline. Reclining seats are now limited to higher fare classes:
Premium: Reclining seats with extra legroom and upgraded cushioning.
Extended Comfort: More legroom, but no recline option.
Standard Economy: Fixed-back slimline seats designed to maximize space.
In a statement to Fox Business, WestJet said the fixed seats are meant to “preserve personal space” and offer travelers “flexibility and choice” when booking.
Passengers who want reclining seats can still access them by booking a Premium fare, which may cost $50–$150 more per flight, depending on the route.
The airline also says the new layout allows for more rows on each plane and helps reduce seat disputes. More than 40 aircraft are expected to feature this design by early 2026.
For Floridians flying north, this means standard seats on many WestJet flights will remain upright for the duration of the trip. Travelers seeking more comfort on routes to destinations like Toronto or Calgary will need to pay extra for a Premium ticket.
Frequent flyers heading to Canada for business or seasonal travel should double-check seat maps before booking, as the fixed-back design will be rolled out across most Boeing 737 aircraft over the coming months.
As airlines continue to cut back on services, passengers may find themselves paying more for comforts that were previously offered.
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