Post by : Raman

Photo : AP

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are facing federal lawsuits in New York and San Francisco after passengers claimed they were misled by paying extra for “window seats” that do not actually have windows. The cases, filed as proposed class actions, could represent thousands of travelers who say they would not have selected or paid extra for these seats if they had known the truth.

What Happened

The lawsuits allege that passengers are being charged premium fees for seats labeled as “window seats,” but some of these seats are located next to blank walls. Nicholas Meyer, a New York resident, discovered this problem firsthand when he took a Delta flight to California. Meyer had selected seat 23F, expecting a window, but the seat was actually next to a solid wall. According to the lawsuit, Delta never warned him that the seat did not have a window during the booking or seat selection process.

The law firm Greenbaum Olbrantz, which filed the lawsuits, said it has received numerous inquiries from other passengers who feel similarly misled. The firm claims that this is a common issue and is seeking to represent a large group of affected travelers in class action lawsuits.

Social Media Complaints

Passengers have voiced frustration on social media for years about these “windowless window seats.” Screenshots included in the Delta lawsuit show posts complaining about lack of legroom and misleading seat labeling. One Delta passenger wrote on Reddit:

"Your seat map should not consider this premium, nor should it call it a window seat … There is actually LESS leg room and no perks."

Despite these complaints being publicly available, both Delta and United have allegedly continued to charge extra for these misleading seats.

Comparison with Other Airlines

The lawsuits note that other airlines, such as Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, also sell windowless seats. However, those airlines clearly disclose the seat’s lack of a window before passengers book or pay extra. This distinction is central to the plaintiffs’ argument that Delta and United are misleading customers.

Legal Implications

The proposed class actions seek millions of dollars in damages from each airline. If successful, the lawsuits could force airlines to be more transparent in how they label and price premium seats. Legal experts say this could have wide-reaching implications for the airline industry, where upselling seat options has become a major source of revenue.

Passenger Experience and Transparency

Many passengers pay extra for window seats for comfort, privacy, and a better flying experience. Being assigned a seat without a window can negatively affect passenger satisfaction and trust. The lawsuits highlight the importance of clear communication and transparency from airlines regarding seat layouts, especially for premium charges.

Airlines’ Response

Delta and United have both declined to comment because the cases are ongoing. Meanwhile, passengers are being advised to carefully check seat maps, read airline reviews, and verify seat positions before paying extra for upgrades.

Broader Context

Airlines have increasingly sought to generate revenue through add-on charges, including seat selection, baggage fees, and other services. Misleading seat labeling undermines consumer trust and may trigger legal action, as seen in these lawsuits. Experts say the outcome could influence airline practices for years to come, ensuring that customers pay for what they actually receive.

The Delta and United lawsuits shine a light on a small but important detail that affects thousands of passengers: the seat they pay extra for should match the description they are given. With millions of Americans flying each year, the courts’ decisions in these cases could set a precedent for how airlines disclose seat information and manage premium pricing in the future

Delta windowless seat lawsuit, United Airlines seat controversy, airline misleading charges