Elliott Confidential

Elliott Confidential

Would you pay to recline your airline seat?

WestJet is locking its economy seats in the upright position. Reclining will now cost extra. Is this the end of comfort — or just the next phase of “optional” air travel?

Christopher Elliott's avatar
Christopher Elliott
Oct 18, 2025
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WestJet has made a move that’s both bold and baffling: it’s locking the seats in most of its economy cabins.

The Canadian discount airline says it’s giving passengers “personal space.” But really, it’s charging extra for something that used to be free — the ability to lean back a few inches.

Will you pay extra to recline?

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