Airline seat guide
WestJetseat guide: economy legroom, best seats & upgrades
WestJet economy seats pitch from 30 in on narrowbody jets up to 30–32 in on widebody routes. Exit rows often unlock more space for free. Here is exactly what to book — and what to skip.
How much legroom does WestJet economy have?
Every WestJet aircraft carries a slightly different economy layout. The table below shows pitch, width, seat configuration, and the routes each aircraft type flies most often.
| Aircraft | Economy pitch | Width | Layout | Routes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-800 | 30 in | 17.6 in | 3-3 | Canada domestic (YYC-YVR-YYZ) and transborder Canada-US (Calgary/Vancouver to Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles); seasonal Mexico and Caribbean leisure routes |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 30 in | 17.3 in | 3-3 | Canada domestic and transborder Canada-US; growing share of Mexico and Caribbean routes; replacing 737-800s across the WestJet network |
| Boeing 787-9 | 31 in | 17.2 in | 3-3-3 | Trans-Atlantic (Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver to London Gatwick, Paris CDG, Dublin); some transcontinental Canada routes |
| Boeing 737-700 | 30–32 in | 17.6 in | 3-3 | Shorter Canada domestic routes and transborder Canada-US routes to secondary US markets; older fleet gradually being phased out |
Premium-cabin pitch varies by aircraft. See the upgrade section below for exact figures.
What are the best seats on WestJet?
On 737s, target exit row 13 (rows 13–14) for the most economy legroom (38 in pitch) at no extra cost on EconoFlex fares; row 5 (the first economy row behind the Premium divider) delivers early meal service and slightly more legroom. On the 787-9, book Extended Comfort window seats in rows 10–14 (seats A or K) for 35 in pitch at a modest upcharge — they also offer full recline, unlike the standard rear cabin.
General rules that apply on any WestJet flight
- Exit rows — typically 4–8 extra inches of pitch with no seat in front. Often free to select at check-in even when they cost money at booking.
- Bulkhead rows — the most forward-cabin legroom, but tray tables live in the armrest and overhead bins may be pre-assigned to another cabin.
- Window seat for sleep — a wall to lean against and no one climbing past you. Rows near the middle of the plane minimize wing noise and turbulence.
Which WestJet seats should I avoid?
Rows 28–30 on 737-800/MAX 8: last rows have no recline and are directly adjacent to the rear lavatories and galley (noise, odors, constant passenger traffic). On the 787-9 avoid rows 39–40 and row 24 D/E/F (limited recline, near mid-cabin galley). Avoid the row immediately in front of any exit row on 737s — it cannot recline into the exit-row space. On the reconfigured V3 737 (new slimline seats), rows 20+ have fixed 28 in pitch seats with minimal or zero recline; choose rows 5–12 instead.
How to upgrade your WestJet seat
WestJet offers 4 cabin tiers above standard economy. Prices below are typical ranges — exact costs shift with route length, demand, and how far in advance you buy.
| Cabin / product | Pitch | Typical price | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extended Comfort | 34–36 in (exit rows up to 38 in) | From ~CAD $30 (~USD $22); varies by route, seat, and booking timing | Extra legroom economy seat near front of cabin, priority boarding Zone 2, complimentary alcoholic beverage, early overhead bin access |
| WestJet Premium (737 narrow-body) | 38 in | ~USD $50–250 upgrade at booking; bid or buy from 75 hrs before departure via Offer to Upgrade | 2-2 wider leather seats, 2 checked bags included, priority check-in / boarding / security, complimentary Canadian-inspired meal on flights 2.5+ hrs, complimentary beer and wine |
| WestJet Premium Economy (787-9) | 36–38 in | ~USD $200–600 above economy on international routes; varies by demand and timing | 2-3-2 layout with 7 in recline, ~19 in seat width, complimentary meals, 2 checked bags, priority boarding, blanket and pillow |
| WestJet Business (787-9) | 42–46 in (lie-flat Collins Aerospace Super Diamond) | ~USD $400–1,200 upgrade; bid auction opens 24 hrs before departure | Direct aisle access from every seat (1-2-1 layout), lie-flat bed, full multi-course meals, Herschel amenity kit, noise-cancelling headphones, 2 checked bags, priority everything |
On most WestJetroutes, upgrading at check-in or bidding through the airline's upgrade program costs less than buying at booking.
How much does seat selection cost on WestJet?
Econo fare: standard seat selection costs approximately CAD $5–25 depending on seat location and route; preferred or Extended Comfort seats cost more. EconoFlex and above: standard seat selection included at no extra charge. Note: WestJet charges in CAD; convert at ~0.73 USD per CAD.
Basic economy rule
UltraBasic fare: no advance seat selection permitted. WestJet auto-assigns a seat at check-in, typically at the rear of the aircraft, and traveling parties may not be seated together. Paying a fee (CAD $5–250 depending on seat type and route) is required to choose any specific seat, including standard economy rows.
Want the authoritative seat map for every WestJet aircraft? Check the WestJet fleet page on SeatGuru — interactive maps show every row, exit door, and window position so you know exactly what you are booking before you pay.
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