If this lawsuit were certified as a class action, it would seek relief for AAdvantage members.
aA California couple is suing American Airlines, alleging the airline canceled their frequent flyer accounts for violating rules they didn’t violate.
Ari and Shana Nachison have filed a lawsuit against American Airlines in federal court in San Jose, California, and are seeking to join other similarly wronged frequent flyers in a class action lawsuit against the airline. proposed. The couple accused American Airlines of fraudulently accepting bonuses for opening multiple credit card accounts, violating the airline’s program terms and canceling more than 1 million miles they had accumulated between the two accounts.
The couple disagrees, and note that some credit card accounts that can earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles have restrictions on opening more than one account within a 48-month period, so be careful to avoid cards with such restrictions. He said he is doing so. Each received an email from American Airlines in early 2020 saying their accounts had been canceled and their accumulated miles would be forfeited. “Related to earning non-eligible miles or awards. Due to fraud, misrepresentation, and/or abuse of the AAdvantage Program. ”
Continue reading article after video
Fodor’s Recommended Videos
Additionally, the couple argued that the statute of limitations for filing the lawsuit was not applicable because the notice they received lacked specifics, delaying their pursuit of legal remedies. If this lawsuit were certified as a class action, it would seek relief for other AAdvantage members whose accounts were canceled for similar reasons.
Although we could not find a copy of the AAdvantage program rules for account termination, the airline’s frequent flyer program’s terms and conditions state that fraud, misrepresentation, or any attempt to “game” the system to earn more miles is prohibited. There is generally language governing attempts. This may result in suspension or termination of your account and forfeiture of all Miles (including legally earned Miles).
The current terms and conditions of the AAdvantage program include language that prevents members from filing class action lawsuits, requiring all disputes to be resolved individually. It is unclear whether this language existed in the program rules at the time the account was canceled.
Airline miles have no official cash value, but mileage websites point guy AAdvantage miles are valued at 1.5 cents per mile when used on airline tickets, giving the canceled account an estimated cash value of just over $16,700.
Airlines frequently adjust their frequent flyer programs, changing their earning and redemption levels, elite status earning requirements and benefits, and award redemption options. American Airlines recently announced that some benefits that were previously available to all passengers will now be available only to members of its AAdvantage program.
It doesn’t always go smoothly.Changes Delta Air Lines proposed for end of 2023 have since been rolled back members rebelled.
Frequent program changes, particularly point and mile devaluations, have drawn industry attention, with the U.S. Department of Transportation announcing last month that: Review airline programs for unfair and deceptive practices.Senator Richard Durbin and Senator Roger Marshall Requested DOT to investigate Program for October 2023, currently being written. “Effectively, this means that airlines can change their points programs without notice to consumers, as long as the program’s terms and conditions reserve that right. encourages consumers to purchase goods and services, obtain credit cards, and spend on those credit cards in exchange for promised rewards, while retaining the authority to revoke those benefits at any time.”
Frequent flyer program members should regularly review the terms and conditions of the program in which they participate and seek clarification from their airline representative. Program members must regularly provide feedback on program changes they disagree with. Especially after Delta Air Lines members finally demonstrate that such feedback is ultimately effective.