Claims open in $12.5M class-action settlement over WestJet baggage fees
Eligible travellers have until Feb. 10 to submit a claim
Travelers who checked baggage on specific WestJet flights between 2014 and 2019 may now be eligible to claim a portion of a $12.5 million class-action settlement approved by the B.C. Supreme Court last month.
According to a statement from Evolink Law Group, individuals worldwide who paid a fee for their first checked bag on certain domestic and international flights during periods when they should not have been charged can submit claims by February 10, 2025.
The Burnaby, B.C.-based law firm explained that the settlement will be provided to class members in the form of WestJet travel credits rather than cash. These credits will be issued after deductions for class lawyer fees (one-third of the settlement), additional legal expenses, and a $1,500 honorarium for the plaintiff, which WestJet will pay in cash.
In 2022, the B.C. Court of Appeal had rejected WestJet's attempts to overturn the certification of the class-action lawsuit.
As part of the settlement, WestJet revised its domestic tariff to remove any reference to one free checked bag.
Evolink also noted that any travel credits given to class members must be used for WestJet flights within two years, or they will expire.
Eligibility for submitting claims includes those who paid for their first checked bag on Canadian domestic flights booked directly with WestJet between October 29, 2014, and July 29, 2017. For international flights, the eligible travel period is from January 6, 2016, to February 27, 2019.
