Frontier Airlines Faces Class Action for Deceptive Fees

In a newly filed class action lawsuit, Frontier Airlines, Inc. is facing allegations of deceptive practices, misleading consumers about the true cost of airfare and charging excessive fees. The plaintiff, Amira Hamad, is filing the lawsuit on behalf of herself and similarly situated individuals.

Is Frontier Airlines Violating Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act?

The lawsuit alleges that Frontier Airlines is in violation of Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA). The FDUTPA is designed to protect consumers from deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable business practices. The plaintiff alleges that Frontier Airlines falsely advertises itself as a budget airline with the lowest fares, but in reality, it breaks down fees into smaller components to make the overall cost appear lower.

The airline is also accused of not clearly disclosing its fee structure at the time of purchase, especially when tickets are bought through third-party vendors. This lack of transparency, the lawsuit alleges, is a clear violation of FDUTPA.

What Happened to Amira Hamad?

Amira Hamad, the named plaintiff, purchased a round-trip ticket from Frontier Airlines. She later discovered additional unexpected fees that significantly increased the overall cost of her flight. According to the lawsuit, "Frontier Airlines intentionally withholds certain material information about the total pricing of a flight until consumers have already committed to the purchase."

Hamad's personal item, which met the advertised dimensions, did not fit in the smaller bag sizer used at the gate. As a result, she was charged an additional fee. The lawsuit alleges that the airline incentivizes its gatekeepers to charge fees for oversized personal items by providing them with bonuses for each item charged.

Who Are the Class Members?

The class members in this lawsuit are individuals who, like Hamad, purchased tickets from Frontier Airlines and were later charged unexpected fees. The lawsuit alleges that these practices are not isolated incidents, but rather a systematic approach by Frontier Airlines to increase profits at the expense of consumers.

These individuals were misled by the airline's advertising, which promised low fares and included one personal item. However, the bag sizer used at the gates is smaller than the dimensions advertised, resulting in consumers being charged excessive fees for supposedly oversized personal items.

What Amount is the Plaintiff Seeking?

The plaintiffs are seeking various forms of relief, including declaratory judgment, injunctions against Frontier Airlines' deceptive practices, reimbursement for ticket costs and fees, punitive damages, and attorneys' fees. The exact dollar amount has not been specified, but the lawsuit suggests it could be significant given the number of consumers potentially affected by these practices.

The lawsuit also demands a jury trial to resolve the issues raised. The plaintiffs believe that a jury trial is the most appropriate way to ensure that Frontier Airlines is held accountable for its alleged deceptive practices.

What Could Be the Next Steps in the Case?

The next steps in the case will likely involve a response from Frontier Airlines to the allegations made in the lawsuit. The airline may choose to settle the case out of court, or it may choose to fight the allegations in court. If the case goes to trial, it could set a precedent for how airlines disclose fees and advertise their services.

Regardless of the outcome, this lawsuit shines a spotlight on the practices of budget airlines and raises important questions about consumer protection in the airline industry.