Sask. motivational speaker deeply concerned over new WestJet economy seating

A well-known motivational speaker from Saskatchewan is expressing his frustration and concern over the new WestJet economy seating and legroom configurations on some of its airplanes.

According to several WestJet company posts on “X” Jan. 6, 2026, in some newly reconfigured aircraft, seat pitches may be as little as 28 inches in certain rows, and it’s “comparable to other North American airlines.”

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That doesn’t “fly” with Alvin Law, who said he normally travels 150 days a year and takes dozens of flights across North America for work.

Law was born without arms, after his mother took thalidomide while pregnant. Law uses his legs and feet as arms and hands, for eating, writing, typing, reading and he requires the ability to move them while in an airplane seat.

“To even do a thing like have a coffee or have a meal is difficult enough with legroom, but I fly economy because I want to respect my clients, who I charge for airfare.

Alvin Law says while it would be great to fly business class all the time, it’s not possible to do so, and he mainly purchases economy seating. Here he’s pictured in a business class seat paid for by a corporate client. (Alvin Law/Facebook)

“I wish I could fly business class all the time, but that’s just not the way it is,” he explained, adding that he frequently requests right side aisle seats so he can use his feet on an airplane without impeding on other guests’ leg or arm room.

The notion that the seats are becoming more cramped is extremely concerning to him.

“It’s not just about me. It’s about anybody with a physical nature that is going to be caused even more anxiety. Flying’s tough enough,” he added.

He’s never been on a flight where there’s an emergency evacuation, and questions how people sitting in one of the new seat configurations – especially next to a window – can safely get out of them.

“I would think that’s actually the primary concern with all of this … what if a person in a window seat has a medical episode? How does somebody get in there to take care of them,” he questioned.

According WestJet, there are now 21 aircraft with the new seat configurations.

“We are closely monitoring guest and employee feedback to assess the product’s performance, comfort and suitability, while ensuring our unwavering commitment to safety remains at the forefront of every decision we make,” read another “X” response to a complaint.

Law also challenges the notion that other airlines in Canada are also moving towards less legroom.

“No, that’s not the case on other airlines in Canada … I would question whether that’s the truth,” he said.

And he said penalizing those who may not have enough money to purchase a business class or upgraded seat is also the wrong approach.

“It’s all about health and safety at the end of the day. It’s not just Alvin Law complaining because he’s got no arms. It’s a groundswell of people that are going to come out of the woodwork here.”

According to WestJet, the airplane modifications were completed in accordance with Transport Canada’s airworthiness standards, and WestJet “internal” safety requirements, and guests who want more legroom are welcome to purchase other seats.

“Our seat configurations are designed to balance affordability and comfort so we can continue offering low fares across Canada. We know some guests would like more legroom, which is why we offer premium seating options.”

A request has been made for a statement from WestJet. As of publication time, no response was received.