United’s ‘hidden city’ fares lawsuit thrown out
United Airlines’ legal bid to stop a website advertising so-called ‘hidden city’ fares has been thrown out by a federal judge.
U.S. District Judge John Blakey ruled the state of Illinois was not the appropriate place to bring the lawsuit as the Skiplagged website, run by Aktarer Zaman had ‘no relevant, meaningful contacts’ in the state.
Skiplagged highlights available fares between two cities with a connection and points out that concluding the journey at the transit airport is often cheaper than an equivalent nonstop fare.
United had jointly filed a lawsuit with online travel agency Orbitz for what it says is a violation of fare rules.
Orbitz settled with Skiplagged earlier this year.
United said the decision was simply a procedural misstep but has not confirmed whether it will refile a claim.
"We remain troubled that Mr. Zaman continues to openly encourage customers to violate our contract of carriage by purchasing hidden-city tickets, putting the validity of their ticket and MileagePlus status at risk," said spokeswoman Christen David.
Irwin Schwartz, attorney for Zaman said United will probably refile in a New York court.
"If United wants to try to continue bullying Skiplagged for what it’s doing, they’re going to have to come to New York to do it," he said.
Schwartz added that the website merely publishes fare information and does not sell airline tickets.
Zaman says he doesn’t make money from the website but managed to crowd fund nearly $80,000 to pay for the lawsuit defence.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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