Claims open in $12.5M class-action settlement over WestJet baggage fees

Travellers Can Claim Their Share of $12.5 Million Settlement from WestJet

Travellers who checked baggage on specific WestJet flights between 2014 and 2019 now have the opportunity to claim their portion of a class-action settlement worth $12.5 million. The settlement was 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 domestic and international flights during certain timeframes when the charge should not have been applied have until Feb. 10, 2025, to submit a claim.

The Burnaby-based law firm stated that the settlement will be distributed to class members in the form of WestJet travel credits rather than cash. After deducting one-third of the settlement’s value for class lawyer fees, additional legal expenses, and a $1,500 honorarium for the plaintiff (to be paid in cash by WestJet), the distribution will take place.

WestJet’s attempts to overturn the certification of the class-action lawsuit were dismissed by the B.C. Court of Appeal in 2022. Subsequently, the Calgary airline modified the language in its domestic tariff to eliminate any mention of a free first checked bag.

As per Evolink’s statement, any travel credits allocated to class members must be utilized towards WestJet flights within two years to prevent expiration. The law firm specified that individuals who paid for their initial checked bag on Canadian domestic flights directly booked with WestJet for travel between Oct. 29, 2014, and July 29, 2017, are eligible to file a claim. For international flights, the qualifying period is from Jan. 6, 2016, to Feb. 27, 2019.

For those affected travellers, this settlement offers a chance to receive compensation for erroneous baggage fees charged by WestJet during specific periods. Make sure to submit your claim by the deadline to secure your share of the $12.5 million settlement.