Viral Video of Cramped WestJet Seats Sparks National Debate

New Delhi, January 10, 2026: A heated conversation regarding airline comfort and safety has been ignited by a viral video showcasing the “extreme” lack of legroom on a reconfigured WestJet aircraft. On December 27, 2025, a TikTok post by an Alberta woman, Amanda Schmidt, gained massive traction after showing her 6’3″ father, Manfred, struggling to fit into an economy seat. The footage, which has surpassed 1.1 million views as of January 2026, depicts the passenger unable to position his knees forward, forcing him to sit diagonally to accommodate the limited space.

The “28-Inch” Reality

The controversy centers on WestJet’s newly reconfigured Boeing 737 fleet, where an extra row of seats has been added to maximize capacity. It was revealed that in these updated cabins, several rows of economy seating now feature a 28-inch seat pitch—the distance from one point on a seat to the same point on the seat in front. This measurement is notably tighter than the 30-to-31-inch standard typically found on other major Canadian carriers. The airline has defended the move as a strategy to “keep fares low” and offer more affordable options for travelers.

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Staff and Pilots Sound the Alarm

Concerns have not only been raised by disgruntled passengers but also by the airline’s own employees. Captain Jacob Astin, chair of the WestJet Master Executive Council, stated that while the layout is legally approved by Transport Canada, it “reduces the superior safety margins” of previous designs. Flight attendants have similarly expressed worry that the cramped environment could hinder a quick and safe emergency evacuation. It was even reported that WestJet executives, including the CEO, personally tested the 28-inch seats in November 2025 following internal pushback from unions.

Health, Safety, and “Inhumane” Conditions

The viral video has prompted a broader discussion on whether federal regulations should mandate a minimum seat size. Manfred Schmidt described the experience as being “jammed in like a sardine,” noting that it would be nearly impossible to assume a proper brace position during an emergency. Passenger rights advocates, including Gabor Lukacs, have argued that if a seat is too small for a “normal-sized human” to occupy safely, the airline may be in breach of its contractual obligations. Some travelers have even described the experience as “inhumane” for taller individuals or those with mobility issues.

WestJet’s Response and the Path Forward

As of January 10, 2026, WestJet has paused the installation of its “fixed-recline” seats on the remainder of its planned fleet to gather further feedback. A spokesperson for the airline, Julia Kaiser, emphasized that the 21 currently reconfigured planes have passed rigorous airworthiness standards and that passenger safety remains the “forefront of every decision.” While the airline continues to monitor guest feedback, the viral video remains a powerful catalyst for a potential shift in how Canadian aviation authorities govern passenger space and comfort.