Southwest Airlines to pay $15 million to settle allegations that it colluded to raise fares
Southwest Airlines has agreed to pay $15 million to settle a class-action lawsuit that accuses the Dallas-based carrier and other U.S. airlines of illegally colluding to restrict capacity and increase airfares.
Southwest is the first airline to settle in the case, but did not admit any wrongdoing. In addition to the cash payment, the airline agreed to provide additional information and make certain employees available for interviews by the plaintiffs’ attorneys.
“We did not enter into any unlawful agreements with other airlines, against which we compete vigorously, and this settlement does not constitute any admission of wrongdoing,” Southwest spokesman Brad Hawkins said. “We’re entering into this settlement to avoid considerable distraction and expense of protracted class-action litigation.”
A federal judge preliminarily approved the settlement on Wednesday and air travelers will have a chance to object before it is finalized.
Read more: https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2018/01/04/southwest-airlines-pay-15-million-settle-allegations-colluded-raise-fares
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