COLORADO NEWS

Airline that flies out of DIA announces it’ll charge for reclining seats

Oct 14, 2025, 3:37 PM | Updated: Oct 15, 2025, 9:10 am

Airlines have been finding ways to nickel and dime us for years now, but this seems a little desperate…

 WestJet is rolling out a major cabin refresh across its formerly economy-only aircraft, including the elimination of free recliner seats.

The Canadian airline, which services 19 states in the U.S., including Denver International Airport, introduced upgraded “Premium” seating, expanding its popular “Extended Comfort” section and enhancing the overall in-flight experience with modernized cabin interiors and new amenities.

The moves are part of WestJet’s effort to offer a more cohesive guest experience across its fleet, bringing the cabins in line with those of its 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

In the next year, 43 aircraft will be remodeled to remove reclining seats from general economy sections in order to “preserve personal space.”

Those in Premium cabins or in Extended Comfort seats will still be able to enjoy reclining seats on their flights.

Other changes include redesigned interiors, which will feature brighter, more spacious cabins with new seats, back support, adjustable headrests, in-seat power sources, phone and tablet holders and upgraded lavatories and galleys.

The new Premium section includes 12 seats modeled after those in WestJet’s 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, featuring four-way adjustable headrests, reclining seats and contoured seat cushions.

Just behind Premium, the Extended Comfort section in economy will expand to 36 seats with extra legroom and a dedicated cabin divider.

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Airline that flies out of DIA announces it’ll charge for reclining seats