In a move to increase space and potentially lower fares, Canadian airline WestJet will debut new economy seats with a “fixed-recline” seat design.
Stepping on a plane and knowing you can’t recline your seat to me sounds devastating – and I am team no recline.
Having flown on nearly 40 airplanes this year, I have yet to recline my seat back. However, I love that the choice is there. If the passenger in front of me reclines their seat, I just tell myself it’s a part of flying on planes. Air travelers deserve the choice.
The reclining seat has been a highly debated air traveler experience over the years. It’s led to disruptions on planes, but that’s more the result of immature and inconsiderate adults, and not so much on the plane’s seat itself.
Sure, economy plane seats could be better, but it’s wishful thinking to believe the airlines will change the designs in the name of true comfort. Giving the people what they want, instead of cramming us all in tight, would lead to fewer seats in economy.
Do you see the airlines dropping seats? Doubtful.
Re-designing to a fixed recline doesn’t equal true comfort either.
A fixed recline could be fine for one passenger but horrible for another, as so much of that depends on the passenger’s size.
Will other airlines follow suit?
I certainly hope not, as it’s a major budget move in my eyes.
The seat is overall cheaper. It’s cost efficient for the upkeep as it’s cheaper to maintain and fewer parts means it’s less likely to have things go wrong.
But the consumer takes the hit.
We should have the option to choose.
Do the airlines really care about the passengers, or is it always just about the money?
Let me know your thoughts and follow me on social media: @EricBowman_
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