WestJet passengers who were charged for checking bags between 2014 and 2019 may soon find themselves benefitting from a substantial class-action settlement. The British Columbia Supreme Court has greenlit the agreement, which totals $12.5 million. This settlement has come after claims were made about the airline improperly charging customers for baggage fees on flights when certain fare rules were supposed to allow for free checked luggage.
According to the Evolink Law Group, representing the plaintiffs, anyone who paid for the first checked bag on WestJet domestic flights from October 29, 2014, to July 29, 2017, or on international flights between January 6, 2016, and February 27, 2019, can now submit claims. This opportunity extends to individuals around the globe, whether they reside in Canada or overseas.
To file for compensation, passengers can submit their claims until February 10, 2025. Notably, WestJet has not admitted any wrongdoing as part of this settlement, which indicates the airline’s complicated legal stance on baggage fees and management policies over the years. Spirited debate continues over the perceived fairness of ancillary fee structures, not just with this airline but across the aviation industry.
Overview of the Settlement
The origin of this legal battle traces back to allegations made by several passengers who claimed they were charged for checked baggage, contradicting WestJet's own policies at the time. A specific focus was placed on claims made on flights booked under certain tickets where the first bag was supposed to be included for free. WestJet updated its policies and removed any mention of complimentary first bags.
Though the $12.5 million settlement might sound hefty, the funds will not be dispersed as cash payments. Instead, affected passengers will receive credits to their WestJet Travel Bank, which must be used for future flights within two years. Failure to redeem these credits will result in them expiring. The structure is meant to encourage continued patronage of WestJet services, possibly converting set-backs from the past to future loyalty.
Claiming Compensation
So, how does one go about claiming this compensation? It involves one of three methods:
- Those who have received emails from the claims administrator can use the unique ID and PIN provided to submit prepopulated claims.
- Claimants can also choose to file their claim form electronically after gathering their evidence of class membership.
- Alternatively, paper claims can be printed, filled out, and sent directly to the designated claims administrator.
All claims should be directed to WestJet Settlement Administrator, c/o A.B. Data, Ltd., at their Milwaukee address. Individuals submitting claims do not have to worry about attorney's fees or other costs, as these expenses have already been factored out of the settlement fund.
Understanding Compensation Distribution
The way compensation is distributed hinges significantly on the number of valid claims submitted. The settlement specifies limits on amounts based on when tickets were booked. For claims associated with fares booked on or after July 6, 2017, each claimant will receive no more than CAD 45. Those claiming before this cut-off date will see their maximum compensation capped at CAD 18.
It’s important for claimants to note: even if they paid for multiple checked bags, they can only claim for up to three bags. With these restrictions and the uncertain volume of claims expected, actual compensation amounts might range from approximately CAD 10 to CAD 20 per valid claim.
According to the statement from Evolink Law Group, more detailed updates about the claims process and the distribution protocol can be found on their official settlement page.
The Bigger Picture: Airline Fees
This class-action settlement potentially symbolizes broader issues lurking within the commercial airline industry, particularly as ancillary fees—as exemplified by baggage charges—have surged over the years. These fees often become contentious when they clash with users' expectations based on advertised policies versus operational practices.
WestJet, like many airlines, has faced scrutiny over how it communicates its policies to customers—a reflection of the changing airline economy where the base fare often appears deceptively low due to the addition of various fees. The challenges around these practices sometimes lead to legal adjustments, particularly as consumers demand fairer practices.
Conclusion
With claims now officially open, eligible WestJet passengers are encouraged to assess their options. Those who were charged for baggage when it was supposed to be free are welcome to step forward. With the airline under the microscope legally, only time will tell how these policies will evolve and how the broader impacts of this settlement will resonate with travelers moving forward.
