American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Continental Airlines, and US Airways $60,000,000 Settlement

In a significant development in the world of antitrust litigation, a class action lawsuit against American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Continental Airlines, and US Airways has resulted in substantial settlements. The lawsuit alleges that these airlines conspired to limit capacity on domestic flights, leading to artificially inflated ticket prices for passengers. The settlements reached so far include $15 million from Southwest Airlines and $45 million from American Airlines, totaling $60 million.

The $60 Million Settlement: What Does It Mean?

The settlements reached in this class action lawsuit represent a significant victory for consumers. Southwest Airlines has agreed to pay $15 million, while American Airlines has agreed to pay $45 million. These settlements are a significant step in holding these airlines accountable for their alleged actions. The funds from these settlements remain in escrow, pending the resolution of the appeal and lawsuits against Delta and United.

The distribution of these funds, however, may not be straightforward. It may not be economically practical to make a direct cash distribution to class members until additional settlements or judgments are achieved. After deductions for attorneys' fees, litigation expenses, settlement administration expenses, and class representative incentive awards, the remaining amount will be distributed to approved beneficiaries, such as charities or governmental entities.

What Are the Important Dates to Remember?

The Court held a Fairness Hearing on March 22, 2019, to consider the fairness, reasonableness, and adequacy of the settlements. The claim deadline is not yet available. The reason for this is that the Court is still awaiting the resolution of the appeal and lawsuits against Delta and United. Once these are resolved, further notice about the distribution plan and claims process will be provided to the class members.

Who Are the Beneficiaries of This Settlement?

The class members of this settlement are individuals and entities who purchased air passenger transportation services for domestic flights within the United States and its territories and the District of Columbia from the defendants between specific dates. For the Southwest Settlement, the dates are between July 1, 2011, and December 20, 2017. For the American Settlement, the dates are between July 1, 2011, and June 14, 2018.

However, there are certain exclusions to the class members. These exclusions include governmental entities, defendants, their officers, directors, employees, immediate families, and any judges or justices assigned to hear any aspect of the case. Court staff, law clerks, and other court personnel participating in the litigation are also excluded as agents of the judges or justices.

What Can Class Members Claim?

The specific amount each eligible class member will receive is unknown at this time. As mentioned earlier, it may not be economically practical to make a direct cash distribution until additional settlements or judgments are achieved. After deductions for various expenses, the remaining amount will be distributed to approved beneficiaries.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim an award. However, the specific proof required is not mentioned on the official settlement website. Class members will need to file a valid claim form during the claims period to be eligible for a payment.

Why Is There a Class Action Settlement?

The class action lawsuit alleges that the defendants conspired to limit capacity on domestic flights, resulting in artificially inflated ticket prices for passengers. The settlements reached with Southwest Airlines and American Airlines are a significant step in holding these airlines accountable for their alleged actions. The next steps involve the resolution of the appeal and lawsuits against Delta and United. Once these are resolved, further notice about the distribution plan and claims process will be provided to the class members.