United States: Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are facing lawsuits from passengers who claim they were charged extra for window seats but ended up sitting next to a blank wall.
The complaints, filed separately against the US carriers, are seeking millions of dollars in damages on behalf of more than a million customers of each airline. Both lawsuits were filed by the legal firm Greenbaum Olbrantz.
According to court documents, some Boeing and Airbus aircraft have seats without windows due to the positioning of air conditioning ducts, wiring, or other components. Passengers allege that neither Delta nor United flags these seats during the booking process, even when charging a premium for them.
Lawyers argue that travellers specifically choose window seats for reasons such as managing a fear of flying, reducing motion sickness, keeping children entertained, or simply enjoying the view. The lawsuits say customers would not have paid extra or chosen those seats at all, if they had known there was no window.
Both Delta and United describe every seat along the side of the plane as a ‘window seat,’ regardless of whether a window is present, the complaints allege. This practice, lawyers claim, is deceptive and unlawful.
United has declined to comment, citing the ongoing legal matter, while Delta has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Other airlines, including American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, operate similar jets but disclose during booking when a seat lacks a window, the lawsuits noted.
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