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Airline Sued for $5M Over Lost Bag

Flyer: American refused to return $25 luggage fee

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 23, 2010 1:40 AM CDT | Updated Jul 23, 2010 6:29 AM CDT

(Newser) – Airlines that lose people's bags shouldn't be charging them for the service, says an angry passenger suing American Airlines. Danielle Covarrubias has launched a $5 million class action suit against the airline, complaining that after it lost her bag containing $800 in possessions managers refused to refund her $25 baggage fee, ABC News reports.

"American Airlines is just another example of how companies have forgotten about customer service," said Covarrubias. "When American charges a fee for a baggage service it should deliver your bag, unharmed, or give you a refund." A spokesman for the airline said the company is reviewing the lawsuit, the first of its kind since American introduced baggage fees.

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A n American Airlines sign listing the fees for checked baggage is shown at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

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It doesn't make any sense at all that somebody should charge for a service and then screw up and not give you your money back. - Aviation expert George Hobica

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 20 comments

facebook-672269273

Nov 20, 2010 9:59 AM CST

I also hope she wins. I have actually had stuff missing out of my bag after going through the checking process! I have had cigarettes and other things stolen by AA employees and when I called ,there was nothing they could do! If they charge you for a service and then screw up that service, they should refund your money ASAP.

notorious5to3

Jul 26, 2010 8:17 AM CDT

Amen. I hope she wins. Airlines are SOOOO difficult to work with. Including my own horror story, I've heard many complaints about the airlines. Who is regulating these people and forcing them to give customers what they actually pay for? We are FORCED to pay to check these bags.... Where is the guarantee? Again, I hope she wins. I wish I had had the courage to speak up and say, "You are clearly in the wrong, I'm calling my lawyer."

danaN

Jul 24, 2010 11:21 AM CDT

I'm so excited about this class action law suite. Airline industry is getting away of murder. They are making 2.5 billion a year in baggage fees, they should afford to pay out 5 million. Danielle, good luck and hope you win this case.

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airline industry • luggage • American Airlines • frivolous lawsuits • lost baggage • class action lawsuits • airline fees

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(NEWSER) - Through their relentless fees, airlines have managed to put the task of transporting often-lost luggage in much safer hands. Last year—as passengers carried aboard the baggage they previously checked for free—airlines lost 1.3 million fewer bags than in 2007, the Chicago Tribune reports. The 33% improvement was most noticeable in the fall, when most of the recession-hit carriers adopted service fees. More»

AA Should Bag Boneheaded Luggage Fee

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Airline Sued for $5M Over Lost Bag

Flyer: American refused to return $25 luggage fee

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

airline industry • luggage • American Airlines • frivolous lawsuits • lost baggage • class action lawsuits • airline fees

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More Newser Stories

Carry On! Fewer Checked Bags Cut Lost Luggage

Airlines lost 1.3M fewer bags last year as new fees convinced passengers to carry on

AA Should Bag Boneheaded Luggage Fee

Or face more delays, lost baggage, and longer security lines

Spirit Air Rolls Out Carry-on Fees

Airline says it went off without a hitch, will save time

To Board Your American Flight Early: Pay $10

$10 will buy option to beat the crowds

United Adopts $15 Checked-Bag Charge

Carrier joins American; industry passing oil costs to consumer

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