American Airlines Checked Baggage Class Action Settlement – Get $18.75 – $200 Refunded

The Settlement

A settlement has been reached with American Airlines, the suit alleged that certain customers were incorrectly charged to check bags between July 13, 2013 and June 7, 2018. American Airlines has denied any wrong doing but agreed to a settlement. Eligible members may be eligible for a refund of $18.75 to $200 plus interest.

Who’s Eligible

Eligible members should receive a notice in the mail, but you’re eligible if you meet the following criteria:

1. traveled on American Airlines (“American”);
2. at any time between July 13, 2013 and June 7, 2018 (the “Case Timeframe”); and
3. meet the criteria of either or both subsections (a) and (b) below:
   1. were charged a checked bag fee inconsistently with statements in American’s Baggage Policy that
      passengers may check one or more bags for no additional charge, excluding oversized and overweight
      checked bags, specialty items, and sports equipment, for any of the following reasons:
      1. At the time of check-in, the passenger held a First or Business Class ticket for a domestic flight;
      2. At the time of check-in, the passenger held a Business Class ticket for an international flight;
      3. At the time of check-in, the passenger held AAdvantage elite status with American or an equivalent frequent flyer elite status with a partner airline, or traveled on the same itinerary as a passenger who held such status;
      4. At the time of check-in, the passenger was an active U.S. Military member or the dependent of a U.S.
         Military member travelling on orders; and
      5. At the time of check-in, the passenger was an active U.S. Military member on personal travel.
   2. were charged a checked bag fee inconsistently with a Confirmation Email received by the passenger stating
      eligibility to check a first bag for that ticketed trip at no additional charge

What Will You Receive?

This is dependent on your situation, break down is as follows:

Important Dates

• October 19, 2018 – Deadline to submit a Claim Form.
• December 3, 2018 – Deadline to submit an Objection.
• December 3, 2018 – Deadline to submit a request for Exclusion.
• December 17, 2018 – Date of Fairness Hearing.

File A Claim

• Go here to file a claim
• You can also view the claim form here

If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, it looks like you can fill out the form and American Airlines will check their records to see if you are. You should also get a notice in the mail

Our Verdict

If you’re eligible to file a claim, I’d strongly recommend doing so (unless you plan on filing your own suit). I suspect some readers of this site will be eligible, but I really don’t know how widespread this issue was.

Hat tip to Travel With Grant