Delta Flight 826: 'Window Seats' Without Windows Spark Lawsuit

A passenger is suing Delta Airlines after discovering his "window seat" lacked a window. Nicholas Meyer paid a premium for the seat, but instead of a view, he saw a blank wall. The incident highlights concerns about airline seat design and pricing practices. Meyer is seeking compensation for his loss.

Two class action lawsuits have been filed against Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, alleging that passengers were misled into paying extra for seats that lacked windows. The lawsuits, filed in federal courts in Brooklyn, New York, and San Francisco, respectively, claim that over a million passengers at each carrier were affected.

The complaints allege that certain Boeing 737, Boeing 757, and Airbus A321 planes have seats that would normally contain windows but lack them due to the placement of air conditioning ducts, electrical conduits, or other components. Passengers claim they were not informed about these windowless seats during the booking process, unlike rivals such as Alaska Airlines and American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL).

Nicholas Meyer, the lead plaintiff in the Delta lawsuit, paid a premium for a "window seat" but found himself seated next to a blank wall. Similarly, Aviva Copaken, a lead plaintiff in the United lawsuit, received refunds for windowless seats on two flights but not a third.

Lawyers representing the plaintiffs argue that Delta and United are responsible for accurately representing the nature of the seats they sell, and that relying on third-party websites like SeatGuru does not excuse their conduct. Ancillary revenue from seat selection, baggage fees, and other services helps carriers generate more cash while keeping base fares lower.

Delta is based in Atlanta, and United in Chicago. Neither airline has responded to requests for comment. The cases are Meyer v Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE:DAL), U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, No. 25-04608; and Brenman et al v United Airlines Inc, U.S. District Court, Northern District of San Francisco, No. 25-06995 [1].

References:
[1] https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/delta-united-sued-for-selling-windowless-window-seats-4200936