Spirit Airlines' $8.25 Million Settlement Over Surprise Carry-On Bag Fees
How They Flew Into a Legal Turbulence Over "Gotcha" Bag Fees
Disclaimer: This article is as informational as it is snarky. For actual legal advice, consult someone who passed the bar exam, not the in-flight snack bar.
The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.
Hey there, savvy travelers! Buckle up, because we've got some first-class tea to spill. Spirit Airlines, the airline you love to hate, just agreed to cough up a cool $8.25 million to settle a class-action lawsuit. Why? Because they were playing fast and loose with carry-on bag fees. Let's break down this airborne drama, shall we?
Who Gets a Piece of the Spirit Pie?
If you were a Spirit Airlines newbie and booked your flight through third-party vendors like Expedia, Travelocity, Kiwi, CheapOair, CheapTickets, or BookIt between August 2011 and May 2017, congratulations! You could be part of the class-action lawsuit. You might as well start planning what you'll do with your windfall. Maybe buy a whole row of Spirit seats so you can actually stretch your legs?
Some Numbers to Chew On
Average carry-on fee: $45.83 (or the cost of a decent dinner)
Fee range: $35 to $100 (yes, some people paid more for their bags than their seats)
Total class members: 720,000 (that's a lot of angry tweets)
Addresses known: 350,000 (Spirit, ever heard of a CRM?)
Estimated claim filers: 25% (the rest probably swore off flying altogether)
Eligible travelers can get up to 75% of their fees back. ( and only those who find out and file a claim)
Spirit Airlines, like other low-cost carriers, relies on added fees to make up for lower base fares. Plaintiffs in the 2017 lawsuit accused the airline of advertising misleading low prices on travel websites, only to surprise them with "gotcha" bag fees at the airport. In some cases, these fees were as high as the tickets themselves. Initially, the plaintiffs sought $100 million in punitive damages, though this was later dropped.
If you are among the eligible class members, this settlement offers a chance to reclaim some of the unexpected fees you might have incurred. Given that the average carry-on fee was $45.83, a 75% refund could mean a small amount back in your pocket.
How to File a Claim
Check Eligibility: Make sure you booked your flight through one of the mentioned third-party services between August 2011 and May 2017.
Gather Documentation: Collect any receipts or proof of the carry-on fees you paid.
File Online or Via Mail: Once this deal is finalized there will be an official settlement website to file your claim or download the mail-in form.
Wait for Approval: Once your claim is reviewed and approved, you will receive your refund.
The settlement represents a significant moment for consumer rights, especially in an industry where added fees can often be hidden or unclear. While the settlement may not fully compensate for the inconvenience caused, it does offer a form of financial relief and sets a precedent for transparency in airline pricing.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult with a legal expert for matters concerning lawsuits and settlements.
