Calgary-based airline WestJet got some airtime on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night, and the company’s planned changes for reclining seats were a topic of interest for the host.
Last month, the airline announced that it’s revamping the cabins of its economy-only Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 aircraft, aiming to provide travellers with various seating options at different price points on flights.
During his “Meanwhile…” segment, Colbert talked about WestJet’s plans to have new economy seats that will include adjustable headrests and enhanced cushion and back support with a fixed recline design that “helps preserve personal space.” This means that passengers who choose the economy class price point won’t be able to move their seats further back.
Poking fun at the changes, Colbert quipped, “Regular coach seats will have those spikes they use to discourage pigeons from landing,” before adding, “What is WestJet thinking? That is so WestJet.”
You can watch the moment on The Late Show below.
WestJet says that passengers can choose from three types of standard seating in economy. The back of the cabin (rows 20 to 31) will offer less space, while the middle (rows 15 to 19) will offer a bit more space. Seats closer to the front of the cabin (rows 10 to 12) will have the most space.
The carrier’s premium cabin will feature reclining seatbacks, ergonomically contoured seat cushions, and a large headrest with four-way adjustment capability. This section will include 12 new seats, identical to those found on WestJet’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet.
The first of 43 planned aircraft with the redesigned cabins will be in use starting this month.
Who knows, perhaps following the WestJet mention, Stephen Colbert will catch wind of Edmonton-based Flair Airlines announcing it will be the first airline in North America to offer ticket resale and chat about them in an upcoming show.
