WestJet appeals to the frill-seekers: Discount airline moves upscale.

(From Financial Post)

Byline: Nuntawun Polkuamdee

No-frills carrier WestJet Airlines Ltd. isn't known for its in-flight entertainment package -- unless, of course, you enjoy the attendants' corny jokes. That's changing. The airline is moving upscale, offering flyers more legroom and satellite TV

At the same time, its rival Air Canada is going downscale, eliminating perks like free food and slashing high-end fares by up to 50%.

The Montreal-based airline announced yesterday it will slash fares on its high-yielding first-class seats -- a sign of how demand for business-class seats has dried up. The fare cuts apply to domestic flights only and must be purchased through the Internet.

WestJet said its Boeing 737-700 planes will have an additional inch of legroom for its passengers. It will create this extra inch by removing four seats, which will extend the so-called seat pitch -- distance between rows of seats -- to 32 inches from 31.

The move to increase legroom begins this quarter, just as the airline plans to install satellite TV outlets on the 737-700s. It is following in the footsteps of JetBlue, the successful U.S. discount airline that added similar perks to resounding success.