A major American airline is facing a class action lawsuit for selling seats without windows to plane passengers in California.
The lawsuit accuses United Airlines of misleading customers by advertising a window seat without a window being present – and charging passengers extra for it.
The plaintiff claims the practice counts as false advertising and a violation of passenger rights.
They also demanded the airline compensate all California passengers who were forced to pay an extra fee for a windowless window seat in the past four years.
The issue with windowless seats being sold as window seats often arises from misaligned windows and cabin panels, as reported by Top Class Actions.
Many planes do not have windows installed in every row, most notably in seats that are located next to a cabin sidewall.
On United Airlines aircraft, these seats are normally found in rows that fall between two windows, which in turn leaves a blank wall.
Internal structures, such as air conditioning ducts, wiring and joints, can also interfere with spaces that require a window.
A new lawsuit filed in California accuses United Airlines of misleading customers by advertising a window seat without a window being present – and charging them extra for it
The main problem United currently faces is that its online seating chart does not inform passengers of seats that are missing windows.
Only once passengers board and locate their seats do they find themselves staring at a wall for the remainder of the flight, despite unknowingly shelling out extra to secure a ‘window’ seat.
It’s widely known that United charges passengers for seat assignments – even those flying standard economy are often required to dole out at least $24 (£17) extra for Economy Plus or ‘preferred’ seating.
While aisle and middle seats have clear definitions – with aisle being located next to the aisle and middle being between the two – window seats are generally defined as any seat that is not a middle or aisle.
The lawsuit might be targeting United practices in California, but it’s a known industrywide issue.
Should the suit gain momentum, it could force United to re-design its entire seating plan, with flags or disclaimers added to clearly highlight to passengers where windowless seats are located.
It could also lead to a domino effect of suits being filed against other airlines, as many major carriers continue to advertise window seats as those with windows.
Meanwhile, United Airlines has quietly resumed charging single passengers more than those travelling in pairs or groups.
On United Airlines aircraft, windowless seats are normally found in rows that fall between two windows, which in turn leaves a blank wall
The controversial policy, dubbed the ‘single tax’ by its critics, was exposed by a consumer rights website earlier this year.
An investigation by Thrifty Traveler found that United, Delta and American were all charging solo fliers higher fares for the same route than those who booked two tickets or more together.
After the report sparked backlash, United and Delta promised to scrap the pricing model and charge the same rates for singles and couples. American Airlines, however, kept the policy.
Now United – the US’s largest airline – has gone back on its promise, according to an analysis by The Economist. It is once again charging weekday solo travelers a premium on at least 8 percent of its flights.
United Airlines has been contacted for comment by the Daily Mail.
