American Airlines Checked Baggage Fee Settlement: How to File a Claim

Reyna GobelAug 1, 2018

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If you think you may have been incorrectly charged checked baggage fees by American Airlines in the past five years, you may be able to get your money back.

Last month, a judge approved a lawsuit settlement against American over alleged deception in baggage fees: Certain passengers were told they would get free checked bags when booking or before airport arrival, but then were forced to pay the fees at the airport for flights between July 13, 2013, and June 7, 2018.

Some of the reasons stated for expecting bag fees not to be charged were based on route of travel, cabin of service (such as first class), or frequent flyer status.

Here’s how the claims process works

  • You can complete the claim form online if you received notification by email or mail of your eligibility. You’ll enter your notification ID and confirmation code from the notice you received. You also can download and mail in the claim form. You must live in the United States, but the form doesn’t state you have to be a U.S. citizen. The deadline to submit your claim is Oct. 19, 2018, but the process may not be complete until mid-December. The claim isn’t guaranteed to be paid. Your claim must still be researched.

  • Make the research process easy by submitting all the frequent flyer numbers you may have used when booking your American Airlines flight. American works with other airlines in a network called OneWorld. If you used a partner airline's frequent flyer number, such as for British Airways, include these numbers on the form.

  • Refund amounts will range from $18.75 to $200. Refund amounts are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Payments will be issued by PayPal or check.

Concerned about paying baggage fees in the future? Learn more about American Airlines’ recent decision to allow a free carry-on item in addition to a personal item.

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