Notable Cases & Case Updates
GSA Reaches Settlement in Class Action Against American Airlines for Baggage Fees
American Airlines, Inc. promised certain passengers one or more free checked bags when they travel, and then did not honor those promises by charging said passengers fees to check their bags when they arrive at the airport. Passengers may have received e-ticket confirmation emails promising free bags, or held AA-branded credit cards, held elite status (such as AA Gold or AA Platinum), or purchased Business or First-Class tickets that entitled them to one or more free checked bags. Though many passengers were entitled to one or more free checked bags, AA charged them to check their bags.
On February 24, 2021, our firm filed a class action lawsuit alleging that American Airlines routinely overcharges customers for baggage fees.
On September 2, 2021, the Court certified two classes of passengers who received free checked bag promises in E-Ticket Emails (the “Email Class”), and passengers holding co-branded credit cards (the “Credit Card Class”).
The Email Class consists of passengers who were promised a free checked bag in their E-Ticket Confirmation Emails, but who then were forced to pay to check bags at the airport.
The Credit Card Class consists of passengers who were promised a free checked bag as a perk of being enrolled in an AA-partner credit card, but who then were forced to pay baggage fees on domestic flights.
On July 22, 2022, the Court granted in part and denied in part AA’s partial motion for summary judgment. In its decision, the Court narrowed the Class Period to February 24, 2017, to April 8, 2020. This means that the class includes people who were charged baggage fees on or after February 24, 2017, or purchased tickets prior to April 9, 2020, even if they were charged baggage fees after that date.
The Court also found that passengers who had been promised a free checked bag as a credit card perk but who were then charged baggage fees on domestic flights were entitled to a free checked bag or bags.
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