A video that went viral featuring an Alberta family struggling with limited legroom on a recent WestJet flight is sparking discussions about passenger comfort on Canadian airlines and the potential need for government intervention. On December 26, 2025, Amanda Schmidt, along with her parents, Manfred Schmidt and her mother, embarked on a WestJet flight from Edmonton to Toronto en route to the Dominican Republic. Opting for ultra-basic economy seats that were non-reclining, the family found themselves in a cramped seating arrangement.
In a TikTok post by Amanda, her 6’3″ tall, 220-pound father, Manfred, was visibly uncomfortable in his seat, struggling to fit in. Manfred expressed his concerns about the lack of space, stating, “I could not get into the seat. I mean, I tried to get my knees in front of me… I’m a little bit taller than normal, maybe, but not a lot.” Feeling jammed in like a sardine for the anticipated four-hour flight, he highlighted the discomfort and limited mobility.
While flight attendants eventually accommodated Manfred with a seat offering more legroom, Amanda emphasized the airline’s responsibility for passenger well-being, labeling the experience as “inhumane” and a safety hazard. She stressed that passengers should reasonably expect a seat that fits them securely when purchasing a ticket.
WestJet, in response, declined an interview but noted via email to CBC News that the aircraft in question was part of their newly reconfigured fleet. The airline explained its efforts to enhance accessibility by introducing new products like planes with altered seat pitch to accommodate an extra row, consequently reducing legroom for passengers. Some WestJet aircraft now feature a 28-inch pitch in certain rows, approximately 71 centimetres.
Acknowledging the feedback on social media, WestJet acknowledged that the seating reconfiguration may not suit everyone and assured customers that their opinions are being taken seriously. Following negative reactions, the company halted plans to install non-reclining seats on additional planes in December.
The union representing WestJet pilots expressed dissatisfaction with the airline’s adjustments, emphasizing safety concerns due to reduced legroom. Captain Jacob Astin, chair of the WestJet Master Executive Council, highlighted the compromise in safety margins and guest experience resulting from the seat pitch alterations.
Aviation expert John Gradek from McGill University noted that a 30-inch pitch is customary in the Canadian airline industry, with reduced legroom more prevalent in Europe than in Canada. Notably, there are no federal regulations governing seat spacing, prompting Gradek to advocate for government intervention to establish minimum customer service standards for airlines.
Manfred Schmidt echoed the call for standardized legroom requirements, suggesting that aviation authorities should enforce guidelines to ensure passenger comfort and safety. Transport Canada emphasized its role in certifying modifications that impact aircraft safety, emphasizing adherence to airworthiness standards in WestJet’s case.