Airline sparks outrage over new definition of ‘window seat’

Now you would think the definition of a 'window seat' was fairly self-explanatory, but apparently not, according to one major airline.

Whether it's deciding who gets to sit in it or being asked to swap with other passengers, there's always some kind of drama around window seats, as let's face it, no one wants to be crammed in the middle seat for a long-haul.

Not only do you get to see the views as the plane travels to your destination, making the journey slightly less boring, you also get to lean your head on the side if you want to sleep.

But, what would you think if you got on the plane, found your pre-booked 'window seat' and found that there was actually no window there, just the wall?

That's exactly what happened to one unhappy passenger on a United Airlines flight, who was so peeved off by it that they decided to file a class action lawsuit against the company.

United Airlines have doubled down on their controversial 'window seat' definition (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Back in August, passengers filed suits against United and Delta after some seats on Boeing 737, 757, and Airbus A321 planes which were labeled as 'window' had no actual windows, which they claimed was not disclosed during the booking process.

But in a filing last week in San Francisco federal court, United said it never contractually promised that seats in 'the window position' would have views, even when it used the word 'window' to label them during the selection process and on boarding passes.

As reported by Reuters, the airline argued: "The word 'window' identifies the position of the seat - i.e., next to the wall of the main body of the aircraft.

"The use of the word 'window' in reference to a particular seat cannot reasonably be interpreted as a promise that the seat will have an exterior window view."

Meanwhile, Carter Greenbaum, the lawyer for the United plaintiffs, said in an email that United's position was 'contrary to the reasonable expectations of countless passengers who unknowingly paid extra money for windowless window seats'.

He added: "Consumers deserve better than empty promises and United's word games."

United Airlines asked a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit, but as the case is gaining traction online, they're facing quite a bit of backlash on social media.

Would you be mad if your window seat didn't actually have a window? (Getty Stock Image)

One Instagram user commented on the story: "That’s like saying ordering a cheeseburger doesn’t guarantee a burger with cheese on it."

While a second demanded: "I'm with the passenger on this one. I've been victim of this many times."

"There is a reason they won’t change the name to a wall seat because they know they can scam people and charge extra if they call it a window," someone else pointed out.

And another traveller outlined: "You buy a ticket to a venue and the seat is obstructed, it tells you. Easy for them to do the same. I hope they lose."

However, not everyone is on the same page and others have defended the airline, writing: "Idk I thought this was common sense lol," and "People will complain about ANYTHING."

Tyla has contacted United and Delta for comment.

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