Category: Antitrust

Passenger price-fixing case dismissed on subject matter jurisdiction grounds

November 2, 2009

McLafferty v. Deutsche Lufthansa A.G. et al. (E.D. Pa. Oct. 16, 2009).  In her class action complaint, the plaintiff alleged that Lufthansa, Air France, KLM and Alitalia had engaged in price fixing in violation of the Sherman Act.  She alleged that, at a 2003 IATA meeting, the airlines agreed to impose surcharges on fares for passenger … More Passenger price-fixing case dismissed on subject matter jurisdiction grounds

Airline battles frequent flyer mileage brokers in federal court

May 26, 2008

Alaska Airlines, Inc. v. Carey (W.D. Wash. Apr. 15, 2008).  The terms and conditions Alaska Airlines’ frequent flyer program, known as the Mileage Plan, prohibit its members from selling, purchasing or bartering miles or award tickets, and they state that miles and award tickets “are void if transferred for cash or other consideration.” In 2007, Alaska Airlines filed … More Airline battles frequent flyer mileage brokers in federal court

Travel agents come up short in commission cap antitrust case against airlines

January 9, 2008

In re Travel Agent Commission Antitrust Litigation (N.D. Ohio Oct. 29, 2007).  The travel agent plaintiffs alleged in this case that the airline defendants had violated Section 1 of the Sherman Act (15 U.S.C. § 1) by conspiring to cap or eliminate travel agent commissions at certain times during the period from 1995 to 2002.  … More Travel agents come up short in commission cap antitrust case against airlines

Airline not liable under antitrust statutes by terminating agent agreement

October 21, 2006

Tokarz v. LOT Polish Airlines (E.D.N.Y. Oct. 3, 2006).  Despite repeated warnings by the airline, the agent continued to discount tickets by passing on front-end override commissions to customers, a practice that violated the parties’ written commission agreement.  After several competing agents complained to the airline about the discounting agent, the airline exercised its right to terminate the agreement with the discounting agent.  The terminated agent sued, alleging that … More Airline not liable under antitrust statutes by terminating agent agreement