If you’ve flown with WestJet and were charged for your first checked baggage when you shouldn’t have been, you may be eligible for compensation as part of a $12.5 million class-action settlement. This legal resolution aims to refund passengers who were unfairly charged for their first checked bags on certain flights between 2014 and 2019.

Many travelers may not be aware of this settlement or how to file a claim. In this guide, we’ll break it down in a simple, step-by-step manner so you can easily determine whether you qualify and how to get your refund. This ensures that both casual travelers and professionals alike have access to the relevant details they need to act quickly.
WestJet $12.5M Settlement:
Topic | Details |
---|---|
Settlement Amount | $12.5 million |
Eligibility Period | 2014 – 2019 |
Applicable Flights | Canadian and international flights booked directly with WestJet |
Compensation | Travel credits issued to a WestJet Travel Bank |
Claim Deadline | February 10, 2025 |
Official Website | AirlineBagFeeSettlement.com |
If you were wrongfully charged for your first checked baggage on a WestJet flight, this settlement gives you a chance to claim what you’re rightfully owed. The claims process is straightforward, and you don’t need a lawyer to participate.
To maximize your compensation, submit your claim before February 10, 2025, and ensure all your travel details are accurate.
Background of the WestJet Class Action Lawsuit
This settlement originated from a lawsuit alleging that WestJet improperly charged passengers for their first checked baggage despite advertising that it was free. The affected customers flew during specific time frames when WestJet’s policy stated that the first checked bag should have been included in the ticket price.
Rather than proceeding to a long legal battle, WestJet opted to settle for $12.5 million, allowing eligible passengers to receive compensation. The decision to settle avoids drawn-out court proceedings and ensures that passengers affected by the extra charges can receive reimbursement in a timely manner.
Who Is Eligible for Compensation?
You may be eligible to claim a portion of the settlement if you meet the following criteria:
1. Travel and Booking Date Requirements
Canadian Domestic Flights:
- Tickets issued on or after September 15, 2014
- Travel took place between October 29, 2014, and July 29, 2017
International Flights:
- Tickets issued on or after November 3, 2015
- Travel took place between January 6, 2016, and February 27, 2019
2. You Paid a Fee for Your First Checked Bag
If you were charged a first checked baggage fee on any of the eligible flights, you could be entitled to compensation.
3. You Booked Your Flight Directly with WestJet
If your ticket was purchased through a third party (e.g., Expedia, Travelocity, or a travel agency), you may not qualify.
How Much Compensation Will You Get?
Instead of cash refunds, WestJet is issuing credits to travelers’ WestJet Travel Banks. The exact credit amount will depend on the number of valid claims submitted.
Key points about these credits:
- Valid for 24 months from the date of issuance
- No blackout periods—can be used any time
- Non-transferable, but you can use them to book flights for other guests
- Can be used for both domestic and international WestJet flights
WestJet’s decision to issue credits rather than cash refunds may disappoint some travelers, but these credits provide flexibility for future travel within the two-year period.
How to File a Claim
Filing a claim is easy and free. Follow these steps to ensure you receive your compensation:
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before starting the claims process, check your flight details to confirm that your travel falls within the eligible timeframes. This step is crucial to avoid submitting an invalid claim.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
To complete your claim, you may need:
- Flight itinerary
- Proof of payment for the first checked bag
- Booking confirmation showing direct purchase from WestJet
Step 3: Submit Your Claim
You can file a claim using one of these methods:
1. Online Submission (Fastest Method)
- Visit the official website: AirlineBagFeeSettlement.com
- Fill out the online form with your details
- Submit the required documents
2. Email Submission
- If you received an email from the Claims Administrator, follow the provided instructions.
3. Mail Submission (Slower Processing Time)
- Download and print the paper claim form from the official website.
- Mail the completed form to: WestJet Settlement Administrator
c/o A.B. Data, Ltd.
P.O. Box 173103
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
After submitting your claim, you will receive an email or mail confirmation. Processing times may vary, so be patient and check for updates.
USA $200 Prepaid Debit Cards for Social Security Retirement in 2025 – How to claim it? Check Process
USA Settlement Loan’s New Site Makes Lawsuit Funding Easier Than Ever—Check Your State Now!
USA Settlement Loan – Launches State-Specific Website for Lawsuit Funding
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What if I no longer have my flight details?
If you no longer have proof of travel, you can try retrieving your booking details through WestJet’s website or your email history.
2. Can I file multiple claims if I took multiple flights?
Yes. If you took multiple eligible flights and were charged for the first checked bag, you can file separate claims for each instance.
3. What happens if I miss the deadline?
The deadline to submit a claim is February 10, 2025. If you miss this date, you forfeit your right to compensation.
4. Are the WestJet credits transferable?
No, but you can use them to book flights for other travelers.
5. When will I receive my compensation?
It depends on the number of claims received. Expect to get your travel credits within a few months after the claims period closes.