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I wrote about a class action suit against Spirit Airlines back in August. The low-cost carrier had settled the suit that was filed by passengers who booked flights through third-party travel agencies and claimed that they were surprised with carry-on bag fees. Now, a settlement website is live and accepting claims.
The settlement was reached in Cox, et al., v. Spirit Airlines, Inc., Civil Action No. 17-CV-5172 (EK)(VMS). A Notice describing the settlement, claimant rights, and the claim form (which needs to be submitted no later than January 10, 2024) can be found at www.SpiritCarryOnBagFeeSettlement.com.
The lawsuit alleged that Spirit used “bait-and-switch” and “gotcha tactics…designed to confuse, trick, and trap consumers.” First-time Spirit fliers who booked through BookIt, CheapOair, CheapTickets, Expedia, Kiwi, or Travelocity between August 31, 2011 and May 3, 2017 are eligible class members.
Jeffrey Klafter, one of the principal lawyers prosecuting this case said:
We urge every eligible Class member to submit a claim form so they can receive as much as 75% of the carry-on fee they paid. The claim form is simple and will take no more than five minutes to complete.”
John Hermina, co-counsel in the case, added:
Class members should do this as soon as possible.”
Bag fees were as high as $100 per traveler. The settlement will award refunds of up to 75% of the carry-on-bag fees. The Brooklyn court has scheduled a hearing on December 11th to consider the final settlement approval.
Anthony’s Take: Bag fees and low-cost carriers go together like peanut butter and chocolate (but in a much less delicious way). It shouldn’t surprise anyone, but apparently when booking through these third-party sites the fees were not disclosed.
(Image Credits: Spirit Airlines and Shuttterstock.)
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