Class-action lawsuits were filed on Tuesday against Delta Airlines and United Airlines passengers who claimed they were charged extra for window seats only to be placed in seats without windows.
The complaints were filed yesterday in the Northern District of California and Eastern District of New York for both Delta and United, respectively. The lawsuits are seeking millions of dollars in damages for more than 1 million passengers, according to a report from Reuters.
Both complaints detail that some Boeing 737, Boeing 757, and Airbus A321 aircraft have seats that are normally positioned by windows, but due to the placement of air conditioning ducts or electrical conduits, they lack the typical window arrangement.
Competitors like American Airlines and Alaska Airlines flag such seats during the booking process, saving customers from the misunderstanding of purchasing a product that doesn’t actually exist, a practice that the lawsuit alleges United and Delta fail to follow.
“When consumers purchase a window seat on United or Delta Airlines, they reasonably expect that the seat will have a window,” said Carter Greenbaum, an attorney whose firm filed the lawsuits. “Instead, for years United and Delta have sold seats that they have described as ‘windows,’ only to leave customers disappointed when they find a blank wall.”
The complaints assert that, aside from being an accommodation many passengers prefer, window seats can distract an antsy child or provide a greater level of comfort for those more prone to motion sickness while flying.
There are a number of third-party services online that airline customers can use to double check the pros and cons of each seat before they purchase, but Greenbaum said that does not absolve the responsibility of the airline to provide accurate information.
“A company can’t misrepresent the nature of the products it sells and then rely on third party reviews to say a customer should have known that it was lying,” he said.
IF you want to sight see- Book a scenic flight- When I book to LHR, BGI, or wherever–
I am not interested in looking out the window in between-
When I want to see surrounding/s I book GA–(General Aviation-for the amateurs) or charter a helicopter when I get there-
-----Just had to respond to the Romper room comments
Last time I was booked an extended legroom seat the airline changed airplanes with the extended legroom rows moved aft several rows. The airline did not adjust the seat assignments so I ended up with my knees into the seat in front of me. Told my company never to book me on another flight on that “no frills” airline!
Worse than the windowless window seat, once booked a transatlanic flight with British Airways, an overnight flight so I went for the premium economy to get a bit more space and a better chance at some sleep. The row was not only windowless (I didn’t really care about that, but my fellow passenger might have) but right next to the toilets, so being in the aisle I was constantly being jostled, had the sound of the toilet going all night, and the toilet smell was very strong - and they charged a premium fare for this!
Ironic. As an airline pilot, I can never get over going back in the cabin and seeing every window shade closed. And people get upset when they’re opened because it’s too much light!
Also annoys me that my current employer doesn’t require thre shades to be open for takeoff or landing. So, if there’s a problem outside the customers have no idea what’s going on. My previous airline required them to be up for takeoff and landing for safety. And I agreed with that logic!
Guess they need to designate ‘window’ seats as non aisle non middle seats.
Right on, Scott 320 Pilot! I’ve been flying GA and professionally for over 50 years and I’m never tired of slipping the surly bonds and observing our earth from 5000 or 35000 feet. Every flight reveals something new.