Have you ever purchased a window seat on a flight, only to discover that it had no window? It’s a frustrating experience, and now you could be part of a class action lawsuit against major airlines like Delta and United for misleading customers about their seating options.
This week, Delta and United Airlines faced lawsuits in federal court for allegedly misrepresenting their seat offerings online. When booking with competitors like Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, passengers are notified if a window seat lacks an actual window. However, the lawsuits assert that Delta and United don’t provide this crucial information.
Misleading Window Seat Claims
The filing against Delta, accessible through Courthouse News, claims that this issue may impact over a million travelers:
For many years, Delta has knowingly and routinely sold windowless “window” seats to travelers. For instance, various models of Delta’s Boeing 737, Boeing 757, and Airbus A321 had seats designated as window seats, but these seats often lack actual windows due to the interior configurations of the planes. Delta operates hundreds of these aircraft, making multiple flights daily. Consequently, Delta has likely sold over a million windowless “window” seats during this period.
Why it Matters to Travelers
Many travelers seek window seats for legitimate reasons — from a fear of flying to a sense of claustrophobia. If someone pays extra for a window seat only to find it isn’t as advertised, they aren’t receiving what they paid for.
Complaints from affected passengers have appeared on forums like r/Delta, voicing similar frustrations over paying extra for a view that doesn’t exist.
Consumer Rights and Company Responsibilities
Third-party sites like SeatGuru exist to help travelers discover if a seat truly has a window. However, Carter Greenbaum, the attorney behind the lawsuits, emphasizes that businesses shouldn’t misrepresent their products and then expect customers to rely on external reviews for accuracy.
Costs of Securing a Window Seat
Not only is this a matter of comfort, but it can also impact your finances. The cost to secure a window seat can accumulate rapidly:
The fees involved in selecting a window seat can be significant. Basic economy travelers might need to pay over $40 (approximately €36) to upgrade their fare and then an additional $30 (around €27) to specifically choose a window seat. For those opting not to pay cash, they may sacrifice valuable points from loyalty programs or potential benefits from different credit card rewards systems. These fees are layered on top of base fares and taxes.
The Legal Cases
The lawsuits against Delta and United were filed in different states:
- Meyer v Delta Air Lines Inc, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, No. 25-04608
- Brenman et al v United Airlines Inc, U.S. District Court, Northern District of San Francisco, No. 25-06995
While United has chosen not to comment on the ongoing legal matter, Delta has not yet responded to inquiries as of Thursday. Keep an eye out for updates from Gizmodo.
Is a Window Seat Worth the Extra Cost?
Are window seats really worth the upgrade? It often comes down to personal preference and experience. For many, they provide a sense of safety and comfort, reinforcing the value of getting what you pay for.
Have you ever wondered how to check if your seat has a window before flying? Utilizing resources like seating charts and third-party reviews can help, but awareness of airline practices is essential.
As you navigate your travel plans, consider these updates and stay informed about your rights as a consumer. You deserve transparency, especially when it comes to your travel comfort. For more insights and travel tips, continue exploring related content at Moyens I/O.