Legroom Woes: Regulatory Gap Sparks Safety Concerns

On January 10 2026, CBC News reported that Canadian airlines, including WestJet, do not disclose seat pitch when passengers book flights, sparking safety and health worries. WestJet’s recent re‑configuration cut economy seat pitch from the industry norm of 30 inches to 28 inches, a move that has gone viral after an Alberta family video showed cramped legs. John Gradek, a McGill aviation expert, warned that such reductions could hamper emergency egress and increase the risk of blood clots. In one case, Emily Jansson suffered a cardiac arrest on a 10‑hour Air Canada flight after a prolonged seated period. Transport Canada says the changes meet safety standards but do not mandate minimum legroom, prompting calls for clearer federal regulations.