United Airlines is facing a class-action lawsuit after passengers claimed they paid extra for window seats that didn't offer any external view. The case was given the green light by a US federal judge in San Francisco, who rejected United's bid to dismiss it.
The passengers involved argue that they specifically selected and paid more for window seats, only to find themselves seated next to the aircraft's internal wall – often with air conditioning ducts or other essential components behind the 'window'. They claim the airline didn't adequately disclose this during booking. According to court documents, some of these missing windows align with operating parts rather than providing a view outside.
United had argued that 'window' in its booking system referred to the seat's position within the cabin, not an explicit promise of an external view. But Judge James Donato disagreed, saying United's ticketing terms, boarding passes, and reservation screens all suggested window seats came with views – as claimed by passengers.
Similar lawsuits are underway against Delta Air Lines, which is facing a similar challenge in New York federal court. Both airlines are accused of failing to clearly disclose the lack of windows on certain aircraft types, including Boeing 737s, 757s, and Airbus A321s.
The plaintiffs are seeking millions of pounds in damages, potentially covering over a million passengers per airline. Passengers often choose window seats for reasons like managing anxiety, keeping children entertained, or simply enjoying the view – so it's no surprise many feel misled by United's seat selection process.