The complaints, filed separately and seeking millions in damages, stem from claims by more than a million customers. Passengers assert they were unaware that the seats marketed as window seats were blanked out during the booking process, even though they paid a premium for the designation. United Airlines has remained tight-lipped regarding the legal issues, while Delta has yet to respond to inquiries from the BBC.

According to court documents reviewed by the BBC, these allegations arise from specific configurations in certain Boeing and Airbus aircraft, where air conditioning ducts, wiring, or other mechanical elements obstruct windows, resulting in some seats lacking a view. The lawsuits assert that passengers choose window seats for specific reasons, either for comfort addressing flight fears and motion sickness, keeping children entertained, or simply enjoying the view outside.

Despite this, both airlines have continued to label all aisle seats at the aircraft’s side as “window seats,” irrespective of their actual position relative to aircraft windows. This has raised accusations of deceptive and unlawful practices, according to the legal teams representing the complaints. Other airlines like American Airlines and Alaska Airlines transparently disclose seat configurations, indicating whether a particular seat includes a window while booking, making conditions more favorable for their customers.