United Airlines must face lawsuit over 'window seats' that lack windows

Passengers filed proposed class actions against United and Delta Air Lines last August, alleging they were seated next to walls on Boeing 737, Boeing 757, and Airbus A321 aircraft. They contend that the carriers failed to clearly disclose the missing windows during the booking process, noting that walls sometimes align with aircraft components like air conditioning ducts. United, based in Chicago, declined to comment but stated it has enhanced its seat selection process to provide customers with more information.

Donato also dismissed United's argument that federal law preempted the passengers' claims. He noted that United's ticketing terms, boarding passes, and reservation screens explicitly state the carrier would provide window seats to those who paid for them. The judge indicated that this was sufficient for the breach of contract claims to proceed.

Plaintiffs typically purchase window seats for reasons such as managing fear of flying, motion sickness, occupying children, or enjoying the view. Both lawsuits are seeking millions of dollars in damages, with each carrier potentially liable for claims from over 1 million passengers.