Five passengers accused the airline of breaching its contract over baggage fees.

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American Airlines has agreed to pay out a minimum of $7.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit.
The suit accused the airline of charging some passengers incorrect baggage fees.
They accused the airline of breaching its contract after it failed to provide free checked baggage.

American Airlines has agreed to pay a minimum of $7.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit that has forced the airline into two years of litigation.

The suit accused American Airlines of charging some passengers incorrect baggage fees between 2013 and 2021.

The five passengers said the airline had failed to honor its pledge to allow checked baggage at no extra cost for some credit card holders and frequent or first-class flyers.  

The claimants accused the airline of breaching its contract, claiming they were “improperly charged” and “forced to pay baggage fees,” according to the original complaint filed in February 2021. 

Representatives for American Airlines declined to comment on the settlement.

A motion with the details of the settlement was filed in a Texas federal court on Friday. 

The US air carrier has said it will provide full refunds to all members who file timely and valid claims, there is no cap on the amount the airline will pay above $7.5 million, per the court documents.

The motion stated that: “Rather than risk trial and appeal, which could lead to Class members getting zero or less than-full compensation at an uncertain time later, the Settlement gives every Settlement Class Member a guaranteed opportunity now to get 100% compensation.”

American Airlines also agreed to pay any admin costs and attorneys’ fees on top of the refunds.

Other US airlines including Delta and United Airlines also offer free checked baggage to passengers with some affiliated credit cards.

Transportation, News, American Airlines, Flights, baggage, Checked Baggage, transport, Airlines

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