Summary
Qantas Airways has agreed to pay $74 million to settle a class action lawsuit regarding refunds for cancelled flights during the Covid-19 pandemic. The airline gave travel credits instead of cash refunds for the cancellations, which led to the legal action. This settlement requires court approval.
Key Facts
- Qantas agreed to pay A$105 million ($74 million) over refund claims for cancelled flights during 2020-2022.
- Passengers received travel credits instead of cash refunds, sparking a class action lawsuit.
- The settlement amount is nearly double what Qantas expected to pay, according to earlier results.
- Qantas has not admitted wrongdoing but agreed to settle the case.
- The settlement is still awaiting court approval before it becomes final.
- Echo Law claims Qantas violated Australian law by not promptly refunding cash.
- The airline removed expiry dates on travel credits in 2023, allowing immediate cash refunds.
- A similar lawsuit is ongoing against Jetstar, another airline, regarding refund policies.
