proposed settlement has been reached as the result of a class action case in the U.S. relating to surcharges on airline tickets. The case claims that British Airways PLC ("BA") and Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. ("Virgin") unlawfully conspired to fix prices for the "fuel surcharge" that was added to base ticket prices. BA and Virgin have both admitted to participating in the conspiracy.
Under the proposed settlement, BA and Virgin will provide passengers with partial refunds on tickets purchased in the U.K. for transatlantic and other long haul flights (over 7 hours). Although the settlement has been agreed upon by the parties, it must be approved by the Court to take effect.
Who Does This Affect?
Consumers and businesses may be entitled to a fuel surcharge refund of up to £20 per passenger per return flight if they bought a ticket in the U.K.:
How Much Is The Settlement?
BA and Virgin have made available a fund of more than £73.5 million for these refunds in the U.K. There will be no deduction from this fund for lawyers' fees. There is no cost to you to claim your refund.
When Will Refunds Be Made?
The U.S. Court must first complete certain processes and then those eligible individuals and businesses that have submitted claim forms will be sent refund cheques.