Claim Form Deadline: Closed
Estimated Payout: $30 – $200 (or Full Refund)
Proof Required: No
What is the American Airlines Baggage Fees Settlement About?
American Airlines has agreed to a $7.5 million class action settlement stemming from a lawsuit filed in 2021. The lawsuit alleged that the airline systematically violated contracts with certain passengers, particularly those with AAdvantage Gold status and those holding AA-branded credit cards. The issue arose from the airline’s failure to integrate checked baggage benefits into its airport software, resulting in charges for passengers who were entitled to free baggage allowances.
How Do I Qualify?
Class members are divided into two groups: travelers with AA-branded credit cards who were charged baggage fees on domestic flights and passengers who received email confirmation for free bag-checking but still had to pay. To qualify, you must have traveled on or after February 24, 2017, and purchased your ticket by April 8, 2020. If approved, eligible customers will receive a full refund for their checked baggage fees.
How Much Will I Get Paid?
Eligible customers will receive a full refund for all relevant checked baggage fees charged by American Airlines. Refunds will be distributed via mailed checks or electronic payments. While the settlement includes a minimum of $7.5 million, there is no cap on the total amount that may be paid out. Baggage fees typically start at $30 for the first bag, increasing to $40 for a second bag, $150 for a third, and $200 for a fourth. Payments for valid claims will be issued after the final fairness hearing scheduled for May 8, 2023, though there may be delays due to appeals.
If you are a member of the Settlement Class and submit a verified claim within the timeframe, you will receive a 100% refund for all charged baggage fees during the relevant period. American Airlines is required to pay at least $7.5 million, with potential increases if total baggage fees for all verified claims are lower than this amount. You may claim refunds for multiple baggage charges as long as you file a verified claim, but each charge will only be reimbursed once, even if you had multiple reasons for entitlement to free baggage.
How Do I File a Claim?
To file a claim, you can complete an online form or mail a printed version. Claims must be submitted online or postmarked by March 15, 2023. The settlement is subject to a final fairness hearing on May 8, 2023, and payments for valid claims will be issued after that date, though delays may occur due to appeals. Refunds will be sent via checks or electronic payments, with no cap on the potential payout. Claimants are advised to be patient due to possible timeline uncertainties. You can file a claim using the link below.
Class Action History with American Airlines
American Airlines has settled other class actions in the past, including:
- In 2018, a $45 million settlement over allegations of collusion among major airlines to limit capacity and raise fares.
- In 2017, a $1 million settlement regarding improper charges for priority boarding access.
- In 2016, a $1.5 million settlement for improper overweight baggage fee charges.
Important Notes on Filing Claims
Claim Form Website: BaggageFeeClassAction.com
Please be aware that your claim form will be rejected if it contains fraudulent information. By submitting your information and your sworn statement of its accuracy, you are agreeing to do so under penalty of perjury. Submitting false information not only jeopardizes your claim but also affects others who are genuinely eligible for the settlement. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for this class action settlement, please visit the class action administrator’s website for more information. Note that NoProofClassActions.org participates in the Amazon affiliate advertising program, and this post may include affiliate links, which could result in us earning a commission if you make a purchase through those links.
