TORONTO — Legroom has long been a pain point for travellers, with many feeling the squeeze on both short- and long-haul flights. But a new viral video is raising fresh questions about just how much – or little – space is really required in the air.
The video, as reported by CityNews, was filmed by TikTok user @amanda_rae.13 on a WestJet flight departing Edmonton. Viewed more than one million times across social media platforms, the short clip shows Amanda’s parents struggling to stretch their legs comfortably while seated in flight, with their knees pressed firmly into the seatbacks in front of them. Amanda can be heard jokingly asking her father if he can straighten out his legs. Her mother replies, “it’s impossible.”
CityNews reached out to passenger rights advocate Gábor Lukács who argues that the video highlights a regulatory gap in Canada, noting there are currently no federal standards governing minimum seat pitch or legroom on commercial flights.
In a statement provided to Travelweek, WestJet said:
“The video shared is of one of our newly reconfigured aircraft. Previously, this aircraft operated with an all-economy cabin layout.
“WestJet pioneered making air travel available to more Canadians, through our ability to keep costs low and to offer affordable airfares – to continue to do so, we need to try new products, these aircraft accommodate an extra row by varying seat pitch between 38 and 28 inches. These pitches are in line with what you’ll find across North American airlines.
“We have 21 aircraft in this configuration at this time. We are closely monitoring guest and employee feedback to assess the product’s performance, comfort and suitability, while ensuring our unwavering commitment to safety remains at the forefront of every decision we make.
“Because safety is so important to us, it’s worth noting as part of the reconfiguration, the aircraft underwent an extensive safety and certification process. All modifications were completed in accordance with Transport Canada’s rigorous airworthiness standards and WestJet’s own high internal safety requirements.”
ADVISORS HEAR GROWING CONCERNS
For Calgary-based travel advisor Gary Rams of Crowfoot Travel, the video has already started to influence client decision-making.
“I’ve begun hearing from clients who’ve seen or heard about the video, and they’re concerned about Westjet and looking at other airlines,” he tells Travelweek. “If I were the other airlines, I would be promoting comfort and customer service while WestJet cuts back and tries to make a few extra dollars.”
Rams says while clients previously accepted fees for seats and baggage, legroom is a different matter. “This isn’t just about inconvenience. It’s about hours of physical discomfort and having to twist your body just to fit.”
Toronto-based advisor Carol Murray of Your Vacation Home says while clients haven’t referenced the video directly, complaints about Economy seating are common. “Many of my clients dread long flights because they know how uncomfortable Economy has become,” she says, adding that shrinking seats may be contributing to passenger frustration onboard. “I strongly believe it’s time for the government to step in and regulate minimum seating dimensions.”
When asked how easy it is to convince clients to upgrade to a higher-level seat category, Murray says that only wealthier travellers can be convinced to do so.
“This whole discussion surrounding airline seating space adds to a broader discussion of class warfare,” she says. “It’s time for the 99% to stand up and fight for comfortable seating rights. Make flying economy enjoyable again and it will help the entire travel industry.”
SHIFT IMPACTING BOOKING DECISIONS
Marianne Vogel, owner of Just for You Travel & Consulting in Dundas, ON, says more clients are now requesting alternatives to WestJet. “People describe feeling like sardines in a can. Some are choosing other airlines because they still offer more reasonable seating and better service. This shift towards squeezing passengers is hurting confidence,” she tells Travelweek.
Burnaby-based advisor Marilyn Stainer of Envoyage echoes these concerns, noting potential health and safety implications. “This isn’t safe – how can people get out in a hurry? Plus, it’s not good to sit for long hours in such a confined space, flight attendants will have to deal with all the complaints and there won’t be any room for bags under the seat, which means they’ll need to go up top, causing even more problems. Eventually, clients will avoid flying WestJet altogether,” she says.
As the conversation around legroom continues, advisors say comfort is once again becoming a key factor in airline choice, one that could shape booking patterns well beyond this viral moment.
