Delta, United Face Lawsuits Over Charging for ‘Window Seats’ Without Windows
Two of America’s largest airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, are facing lawsuits from passengers who claim they were misled into paying extra for window seats that had no actual windows.
The suits, filed separately but nearly identical in wording, accuse both carriers of deceptive practices for charging premium fees without alerting travelers that some seats are positioned against a blank cabin wall. Each action seeks millions of dollars in damages on behalf of more than a million affected passengers.
According to the complaints, certain Boeing and Airbus aircraft have rows without windows due to the placement of ducts, wiring, or structural components. Court documents argue that Delta and United fail to flag this during booking, even though they continue to market all side seats as “window seats.”
Lawyers at Greenbaum Olbrantz, the firm representing the passengers, say the practice is unfair because many travelers deliberately choose window seats—for the view, to reduce motion sickness, to comfort anxious flyers, or to keep children engaged. “This is not only misleading but unlawful,” the filings state.
United declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. Delta has not yet responded to media requests.
The lawsuits also note that other major U.S. carriers, including American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, disclose when certain seats do not include a window, ensuring passengers are aware before paying extra.
If successful, the legal challenges could force Delta and United to refund seat-selection fees and change how they label seating options in future bookings.
