WestJet class action reached a $12.5 million settlement and here's what you need to know

If you booked a flight with WestJet in recent years, you could be eligible to get compensation.

That's because a class action lawsuit against the Canadian airline has reached a $12.5 million settlement.

This WestJet class action lawsuit is related to WestJet's baggage fees.

It's alleged that WestJet charged a fee for travellers' first checked baggage that differed from a provision included in WestJet's tariff from October 29, 2014, to July 29, 2017, and from January 6, 2016, to February 27, 2019.

Even though a proposed settlement has been reached in this WestJet class action, the allegation hasn't been proven in court and WestJet hasn't admitted liability.

The settlement is for WestJet Travel Bank credits valued at $12.5 million.

You are a member of the WestJet baggage fee class action if you paid a fee for your first checked baggage for a WestJet flight booked directly with WestJet and for travel:

• between October 29, 2014, and July 29, 2017, for Canadian domestic flights
• between January 6, 2016, and February 27, 2019, for international flights

Also, your itinerary must have been booked under "a tariff that included the free baggage fee stipulation."

The $12.5 million settlement will be paid as a credit to the WestJet Travel Bank accounts of class members who file a claim within the 90-day claim period.

WestJet Travel Bank credits can be redeemed towards WestJet flights within 24 months without any blackout periods.

These credits will expire after 24 months if not redeemed in time.

While the WestJet Travel Bank credits are non-transferable, they can be used to book a flight for another traveller.

It's estimated that the amount per class member will be $10 to $20.

If you want to receive compensation from the settlement, no action is required until court approval has been given.

If you don't want to participate in the settlement, you can opt out by submitting a form.

An approval hearing will be held on October 11, 2024, at 10 a.m. in Vancouver.

If you're a member of the WestJet class action, you won't automatically get part of the settlement. You will need to submit a claim.

The claim form will be available after the court approves the $12.5 million settlement.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.