CALGARY — Air Canada and WestJet are facing a potential class action lawsuit after imposing checked baggage fees only days apart.
The proposed class action alleges that the two airlines colluded to impose the fees and have unjustly enriched themselves in the process.
The statement of claim, filed in the Court of Queen's Bench for Saskatchewan, says that WestJet (TSX:WJA) announced a $25 baggage fee on Sept. 15, 2014, and Air Canada (TSX:AC) followed suit on Sept. 18.
The claim alleges that it would have been "impossible" for Air Canada to be ready to implement the fees only days after WestJet, indicating collusion between the airlines.
The proposed class action, which has yet to be certified, seeks to have baggage fees refunded along with other damages.
Air Canada and WestJet declined to comment because the matter is before the courts.