Americans will now have to pay extra to recline their seats on flights due to a major cabin shake-up.
TRAVELERS are having to pay more for seats with more legroom thanks to an airline’s new policy.
The carrier’s Boeing 737-8 Max and 737-800 aircraft are being upgraded and will have three cabins.
This means that the airline will cater to travelers with different budgets.
The changes to the planes were announced by WestJet executives on September 23.
There will be a premium cabin with 12 seats, featuring reclining backrests.
This design appears to replicate what travelers experience aboard Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
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Meanwhile, in economy class, there is an extended comfort section and standard economy class.
Travelers seated in standard economy seats have the least legroom.
WestJet chiefs revealed the cabin changes are part of plans to expand traveler choice.
“WestJet has always been a pioneer in making air travel accessible to Canadians, in large part by keeping costs low to provide affordable airfares,” said Samantha Taylor, WestJet Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer.
“Our refreshed cabin layout meets the diverse preferences of our customers.
“Whether they opt for Premium Seats with additional amenities and legroom or more affordable ticket prices with less space, we are excited to introduce this product line for our customers to enjoy.”
Aviation experts have expressed concern over the policy change.
John Gradek, an aviation management specialist at McGill University, described the move as a “financial grab,” according to Global News.
“This is a continuing evolution of ways airlines add fees to their fares and essentially reduce what you would normally expect to be included in your ticket,” he added.
This isn’t the only change WestJet has made in recent weeks.
Airline bosses have changed their checked baggage fees.
WestJet UltraBasic customers who use the carrier’s prepaid service must pay between $50 and $59 for their first checked bag.
For flights before September 15, it costs between $45 and $54.
The self-check-in option ranges from $60 to $71.
Airport check-in services now cost between $70 and $83 for passengers’ first checked bags.
This increase affects travelers between the United States and Canada.
SEAT CHANGE
WestJet isn’t the only airline to change its seating or baggage policy.
Earlier this year, Southwest bosses announced the end of its free seat service.
This policy has been in effect for 53 years but will end in January.
For flights departing January 27, customers can choose seats with more legroom.
And travelers will have the option to reserve a preferred or standard seat.
American Airlines bosses have also revamped the interior of plane cabins, catching travelers off guard.
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Southwest is also among U.S. carriers that have suspended routes to destinations such as Cuba and introduced measures on lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries, found in devices such as portable chargers, have been identified as posing a fire risk.
Why might an airline cancel or suspend routes?
By Chris Bradford, Deputy News Editor
To cut or change air routes, carriers must first file petitions with the Department of Transportation for approval. Airlines often refer to market conditions to explain the reasons for a decision, such as:
- Request. If bosses see a decline in popularity for a particular route, they may be inclined to make a cut.
- Money. Services could be cut because they are not financially viable.
- Resources. Airlines could also make changes if they struggle with factors such as rising fuel costs or pilot shortages. Targeted reductions can allow airlines to allocate their resources more efficiently.
But sometimes the political landscape can provide context behind a particular decision to remove or add routes.
If there are travel restrictions, airlines may decide to take special action.
Right now, for example, airlines are cutting routes to and from Cuba.
President Donald Trump has taken a tougher political stance on Cuba than his predecessor, Joe Biden.
He pledged to impose a stricter ban on tourism in Cuba.
Cuba is on the US government’s list of state sponsors of terrorism.
The US newspaper Sun has confirmed that Southwest Airlines has requested to reduce its number of flights between Tampa, Florida, and Havana, Cuba.
Southwest currently offers two daily round-trip services between the two cities, but starting September 4, this service will be reduced to one daily round trip.
Bosses want the temporary timetable change to remain in effect until March 2026.
Southwest has not ruled out a return to twice-daily roundtrip service if market conditions warrant.
The low-cost carrier is not the only airline to have changed its routes to Cuba.
United Airlines is ending its only direct service between Houston and Havana starting September 2.
And the bosses of American Airlines have also filed a request with the DOT to reduce its routes to Cuba.
Earlier this year, major carriers such as United, Delta and American Airlines temporarily suspended routes to the Middle East due to hostilities in the region.
