Updated
March 15, 2023
A $7.5 million settlement refunded checked-baggage fees to American Airlines passengers who were entitled to free bags but charged anyway. The claim deadline has passed.
What is the American Airlines Baggage Fees Settlement About?
American Airlines has agreed to pay out a $7,500,000 class action settlement as part of a class action lawsuit that was filed in 2021 originally. The lawsuit alleged that the airline systematically breached contracts with certain passengers, including those who were part of the AAdvantage Gold status loyalty program and those who had AA-branded credit cards. The issue stemmed from American Airlines' failure to program checked luggage benefits into its airport software, leading to certain passengers being charged to check bags despite being entitled to free bag-checking privileges.
Status
Claims Closed
Claim deadline passed March 15, 2023
Claim Deadline
March 15, 2023 (Passed)
Settlement Fund
$7,500,000
100% refund of checked-baggage fees · no cap
Proof Required
No
How Do I Qualify?
The settlement breaks class members into two groups: travelers with AA-branded credit cards that entitled them to free bag-checking privileges but were charged on a domestic flight, and passengers who received email confirmation that one or more of their bags would be free to check but still had to pay. To qualify, class members must have traveled on or after February 24, 2017, and their tickets must have been bought no later than April 8, 2020. If approved by the court, eligible customers will receive a full refund of all relevant checked-baggage fees.How Much Will I Get Paid?
Eligible customers will receive a full refund of all relevant checked-baggage fees that were charged by American Airlines. Refunds will be issued via mailed checks and electronic payments. While American Airlines has agreed to a $7.5 million minimum, there is no cap on how much the settlement might ultimately pay out. The charge for the first checked piece of luggage on a domestic flight is $30, and fees increase to $40 for a second bag, $150 for a third bag, and $200 for a fourth one. It's important to note that payments for valid claims will be issued after the final fairness hearing, which is scheduled for May 8, 2023, and they may be delayed by appeals as many class actions ultimately do become delayed due to appeals or further court hearings.If you're a member of the Settlement Class and submit a verified Claim within the allotted time, you will receive a 100% refund for all charged baggage fees during the Case time frame. American Airlines will pay at least $7,500,000.00 in total payments to Settlement Class Members under the Settlement, which may increase on a pro rata basis if the total baggage fees for all verified Claims are less than $7,500,000.00. You're eligible for a refund for each baggage charge on multiple occasions during the Case time frame, as long as you file a verified Claim. However, each baggage charge will only be refunded once, even if you were entitled to check a bag at no charge for multiple reasons.
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How Do I File a Claim?
To file a claim, class members could fill out an online claim form or mail in a completed print form. The claim had to be filed online or postmarked by March 15, 2023. The settlement was subject to a final fairness hearing scheduled for May 8, 2023, and payments for valid claims were issued after then. Refunds were issued via mailed checks and electronic payments, with no cap on how much the settlement might ultimately pay out. The claim deadline has passed and this settlement is now closed.Class Action History with American Airlines
American Airlines has settled other class actions in the past. Here are a few examples:• In 2018, American Airlines agreed to pay $45 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging that the airline, along with several other major airlines, had conspired to limit capacity and raise fares. The lawsuit alleged that the airlines had engaged in anti-competitive behavior, resulting in higher prices for passengers.
• In 2017, American Airlines settled a class action lawsuit for $1 million, which alleged that the airline had improperly charged passengers for access to the priority boarding lane.
• In 2016, American Airlines settled a class action lawsuit for $1.5 million, which alleged that the airline had improperly charged passengers for overweight baggage fees.
Filing Class Action Settlement Claims
Please note that your claim form will be rejected if you submit a settlement claim for payout with any fraudulent information. By providing this information and your sworn statement of its veracity, you agree to do so under the penalty of perjury. You would also be harming others that actually qualify for the class action settlement. If you are not sure whether or not you qualify for this class action settlement, visit the class action administrator's website below. OpenClassActions.com is a participant in the Amazon affiliate advertising program and this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission or fees if you make a purchase via those links.
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