In a significant development for WestJet passengers, the Supreme Court of British Columbia has approved a $12.5 million class-action settlement. This settlement addresses allegations that WestJet improperly charged fees for the first checked baggage on certain flights between 2014 and 2019. Eligible passengers now have the opportunity to claim their share of the settlement.
Eligibility Criteria for the Settlement
To be eligible for compensation, individuals worldwide must have:
- Paid a fee for the first checked baggage on a WestJet flight booked directly with the airline.
- Traveled during the specified periods:
- Domestic Flights within Canada: Tickets issued on or after September 15, 2014, for travel between October 29, 2014, and July 29, 2017.
- International Flights: Tickets issued on or after November 3, 2015, for travel between January 6, 2016, and February 27, 2019.
- Booked itineraries under a tariff that included a provision for free baggage during the relevant class period.
Claim Submission Process
Eligible individuals must submit a claim to receive compensation. The claims period is from November 11, 2024, to February 10, 2025. There are three methods to submit a claim:
- Prepopulated Claim Form: If you received an email notice from the Claims Administrator, use the Unique ID and PIN provided to submit a prepopulated claim.
- Electronic Submission: Complete the claim form online and provide proof of class membership.
- Paper Submission: Download and complete a paper claim form, then mail it with proof of class membership to:WestJet Settlement Administratorc/o A.B. Data, Ltd.P.O. Box 173103Milwaukee, WI 53217
Compensation Details
The settlement amount, after deductions for legal fees, administration costs, disbursements, and a $1,500 honorarium for the plaintiff, will be distributed as follows:
- Form of Compensation: Eligible claimants will receive credits to their WestJet Travel Bank accounts.
- Usage: These credits can be redeemed toward WestJet flights within 24 months from the date of issuance, with no blackout periods.
- Transferability: Credits are non-transferable but can be used to book flights for another guest.
- Expiration: Unused credits will expire after 24 months.
Estimated Compensation Amounts
The exact amount each claimant will receive depends on the number of valid claims submitted. Class counsel estimates a pro rata distribution per class member ranging from $10 to $20, assuming a 5% claims rate. However, this is only an estimate and not a guaranteed amount.
| Flight Type | Booking Period | Travel Dates | Compensation Form | Claim Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic | On/after Sep 15, 2014 | Oct 29, 2014 – Jul 29, 2017 | WestJet Travel Bank Credits | Feb 10, 2025 |
| International | On/after Nov 3, 2015 | Jan 6, 2016 – Feb 27, 2019 | WestJet Travel Bank Credits | Feb 10, 2025 |
By understanding the eligibility criteria and following the claim submission process, affected passengers can ensure they receive their rightful share of the settlement. It’s crucial to act promptly, as the deadline for claim submissions is February 10, 2025.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the WestJet baggage fee settlement?
Individuals worldwide who paid a fee for their first checked baggage on WestJet flights booked directly with the airline during specific periods between 2014 and 2019 are eligible.
How will the compensation be provided?
Compensation will be in the form of WestJet Travel Bank credits, redeemable toward WestJet flights within 24 months.
What is the deadline to submit a claim?
The deadline to submit a claim is February 10, 2025.
Can the Travel Bank credits be transferred to someone else?
The credits are non-transferable but can be used to book flights for another guest.
What happens if I don’t use the credits within 24 months?
Unused credits will expire after 24 months and cannot be redeemed afterward.
