American Airlines agrees to pay at least $7.5 million to passengers who claim they were unfairly charged for checked baggage

• American Airlines has agreed to pay out a minimum of $7.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit.
• The suit accused the airline of charging some passengers incorrect baggage fees.

American Airlines has agreed to pay at least $7.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing the airline of charging some passengers incorrect baggage fees.

The accusation in the lawsuit, which forced the airline into two years of litigation, related to a period between 2013 and 2021.

Five passengers said the airline had failed to honor its pledge to allow checked baggage at no extra cost for some credit card holders and frequent or first-class flyers.

The claimants accused the airline of breaching its contract, claiming they were "improperly charged" and "forced to pay baggage fees," according to the original complaint, filed in February 2021.

Representatives for American Airlines declined to comment on the settlement.

A motion with the details of the settlement was filed in a Texas federal court on Friday.

The US air carrier has said it will provide full refunds to all members who file timely and valid claims, and there is no cap on the amount the airline will pay above $7.5 million, per the court documents.

The motion stated: "Rather than risk trial and appeal, which could lead to class members getting zero or less than-full compensation at an uncertain time later, the settlement gives every settlement class member a guaranteed opportunity now to get 100% compensation."

American Airlines also agreed to pay any administrative costs and attorneys' fees on top of the refunds.

US airlines including Delta and United also offer free checked baggage to passengers with some affiliated credit cards.