23 July 2009

Over 200,000 get refunds in BA/Virgin price-fixing case

Compensation is being paid to 170,000 UK passengers over the British Airways and Virgin Atlantic price-fixing cartel.

According to law firm Hausfeld & Co. LLP, which is handling the case, over 211,000 refunds in total have been processed for customers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Payment has been authorised in 133,000 of these cases.

Hausfeld partner Anthony Maton told the Dow Jones News this is the biggest take-up by UK consumers in a group action of this kind.

He said it sets a precedent for future consumer rights cases.

Hausfeld has negotiated a Ã&#pound;73.5 million settlement with both airlines to compensate consumers overcharged for fuel surcharges on long-haul flights purchased between August 2004 and March 2006.

Refunds are between about Ã&#pound;2 and Ã&#pound;10 for each flight, equating to one-third of the surcharge.

Passengers have until December 31 2010 to claim their refunds.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœUnless significant numbers of claims are made between now and then, big companies like BA and Virgin will continue to believe that they can get away with ripping off their loyal customers," said Maton.

By Bev Fearis