Two US airlines sued over selling ‘window seats’ without windows

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are facing lawsuits in the United States after passengers said they were charged extra for window seats but found themselves next to a wall. The cases, filed separately, seek millions of dollars in damages for more than a million customers of each airline.

As per a report by BBC News, the lawsuits claim both carriers list all seats along the aircraft sides as “window seats,” even when some do not have windows. Passengers allege the airlines failed to disclose this during the booking process while still charging higher fees.

Legal firm Greenbaum Olbrantz filed the complaints. Court documents state that certain Boeing and Airbus planes have windowless seats because of air conditioning ducts, wiring, or other aircraft components, BBC reported. Unlike American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, which note this during booking, Delta and United are accused of not flagging such seats.



The filings add that travelers often pay more for window seats to manage fear of flying, reduce motion sickness, keep children engaged, or enjoy the view. “Some passengers would not have chosen those seats - or paid more for them – if they had known they did not have windows,” the complaints said.

Lawyers described the practice as “deceptive” and “unlawful.” Both lawsuits demand refunds of the extra fees.

United Airlines declined to comment, citing ongoing legal proceedings. Delta has been contacted for its response.