미 국내선 항공 클래스액션 - 참여하실건가요?

오늘 보니 이런 이메일이 와 있네요. 국제선 관련 클래스 액션 (Transpacific Air Settlements, http://airlinesettlement.com) 도 12월까지로 있었던 것 같은데 항공계가 클래스액션 천지(?)인가 봅니다.

제 질문은요: 이런 것들 legit한지는 어떻게 판별해야 하나요? 혹시 마모회원분들께서 사용하시는 판별 방법/휴리스틱이 있으신가요?

(일단 work email 아웃룩에 정크로 구분되어 들어와 있는 것도 마음에 걸리고...) 혹시 이 이메일 받으신 다른 분들 계신가요? file 참여하실 예정이신지요?

Dear Class Member:

Our records show you may have purchased a domestic airline ticket from American, Delta, Southwest, United, Continental Airlines, or US Airways between July 1, 2011 and June 14, 2018.  Southwest and American Airlines (the “Settling Defendants”) have agreed to settle nationwide litigation by passengers who claim the four largest U.S. carriers along with Continental Airlines and US Airways conspired to increase fares on domestic flights.  The Settling Defendants deny that they did anything wrong, have asserted defenses to the claims, and have settled to avoid the burden and expense of litigation.

Are you included?

The Settlement Classes include persons and entities who purchased air passenger transportation services for flights within the United States and its territories and the District of Columbia from American, Delta, Southwest, United, Continental, or US Airways at any time between July 1, 2011 and December 20, 2017 for the Southwest settlement and between July 1, 2011 and June 14, 2018 for the American settlement.

What do the Settlements provide?

Southwest has agreed to pay $15 million and American has agreed to pay $45 million.  The Settling Defendants have agreed to provide certain cooperation in the ongoing litigation against the Non-Settling Defendants. 

How can I get a payment?

At this time, it is unknown how much you may receive.  A distribution plan will be prepared later or at the conclusion of the litigation.  Given the number of Settlement Class Members, it may not be economically practical to distribute money until additional settlements or judgments are achieved.  If you want to receive a notice about the claims process or future settlements, you should register at the website below.  Class Counsel will pursue the lawsuit against the Non-Settling Defendants, and these Settlements may help pay expenses for Class Counsel to do so.  If no additional settlements or judgments are achieved, money may be distributed to a charitable, government, or non-profit organization(s) as ordered by the Court.

What are my rights?

Even if you do nothing you can participate in the Settlements and will also be bound by their terms.  If you want to keep your right to sue Southwest and/or American yourself, you must exclude yourself from the Settlements by January 4, 2019.  If you stay in the Settlements, you may object to them but only if you do so before January 4, 2019.

The Court will hold a hearing on March 22, 2019 to consider whether to approve the Settlements and a request for attorneys’ fees up to 30% of the Settlement Funds, plus reimbursement of costs and expenses incurred as Class Counsel pursues claims against the other Defendants.  You or your own lawyer may appear and speak at the hearing at your own expense.

For more information, visit www.DomesticAirClass.com or call 1-866-459-3634.