Category: Removal to federal court

Airline prevails on “real party in interest” defense in EU 261 lawsuit brought by claims management company

December 8, 2020

Click 2 Refund Inc. v. British Airways Plc (C.D. Cal. Nov. 18, 2019).  EU 261’s robust compensation provisions have spawned a thriving industry of web-based “claims management companies” that offer to assist airline customers in obtaining recoveries for canceled or delayed flights on a “no win, no fee” basis.  One such company claims that it … More Airline prevails on “real party in interest” defense in EU 261 lawsuit brought by claims management company

Federal court approves “snap removal” by carrier forum defendant

November 9, 2020

Serafini v. Southwest Airlines Co. (N.D. Tex. Sept. 8, 2020).  The passenger/plaintiff commenced her personal injury lawsuit against Southwest in a Texas state court.  The next day, and before service had been effected, Southwest, a Texas citizen and the sole defendant, “snap removed” the case to federal court on the basis of diversity jurisdiction.  In … More Federal court approves “snap removal” by carrier forum defendant

Federal appeals court rules that “nonrefundable” means . . . nonrefundable

March 8, 2018

Martin v. United Airlines, Inc. (10th Cir. Feb. 21, 2018).  After buying several “nonrefundable” tickets via United’s website, the customers/plaintiffs, a married couple, canceled their reservations before the ticketed departure dates.  They alleged they attempted, without success, to make new reservations within the one-year deadline set forth in United’s Contract of Carriage for booking a new … More Federal appeals court rules that “nonrefundable” means . . . nonrefundable

Airline prevails on summary judgment by proving it took all reasonable measures to avoid delaying passengers

December 2, 2010

Cohen v. Delta Air Lines, Inc. (S.D.N.Y. Nov. 8, 2010).  The plaintiffs had tickets for travel from New York (JFK) to Buenos Aires, Argentina, connecting in Atlanta.  Due to an air traffic control mandate, the flight to Atlanta was delayed, and, as a result, the plaintiffs missed the flight to Buenos Aires.  Delta booked the … More Airline prevails on summary judgment by proving it took all reasonable measures to avoid delaying passengers

Airline obtains summary judgment in case involving passenger assault and false arrest claims

November 30, 2010

Ginsberg v. American Airlines (S.D.N.Y. Sept. 27, 2010).  The plaintiff was a passenger on an American flight from New York (JFK) to Turks and Caicos.  After visiting the restroom during the flight, the plaintiff moved a food cart out of his way so he could return to his seat.  However, a flight attendant had instructed … More Airline obtains summary judgment in case involving passenger assault and false arrest claims

Court’s narrow view of Montreal Convention preemption results in remand to state court

January 31, 2009

Narkiewicz-Laine v. Scandinavian Airlines Systems (N.D. Ill. Sept. 12, 2008).  In his state court complaint, the passenger claimed that (i) the airline’s delay of a certain international flight in March 2008 caused him to miss his connecting flight, and (ii) the airline refused to refund his ticket for an international flight scheduled for June 2006, … More Court’s narrow view of Montreal Convention preemption results in remand to state court

Passenger unable to break Montreal Convention baggage liability limit

July 27, 2008

Bassam v. American Airlines (5th Cir. (La.) July 14, 2008).  Four months after her international flight, American Airlines delivered the passenger’s missing baggage to her.  The passenger claimed that items were missing from the baggage, and she sued the airline in state court for over $5,000 for the value of the missing items.  The airline … More Passenger unable to break Montreal Convention baggage liability limit

Fifth Circuit vacates summary judgment against passenger in baggage case

September 30, 2007

Muoneke v. Air France (5th Cir. Tex. Sept. 17, 2007).  The day after her flight from Texas arrived in Nigeria, the passenger went to the airline’s lost baggage office at the airport and claimed that several items were missing from her checked baggage.  The passenger alleged that she submitted a written claim regarding the missing … More Fifth Circuit vacates summary judgment against passenger in baggage case

Court analyzes “accident” location in ruling on passenger remand motion

September 10, 2007

Bunis v. Israir GSA, Inc. and Israir Airlines & Tourism, Ltd. (E.D.N.Y. July 30, 2007).  The passenger arrived at JFK on an international flight and deplaned.  At the arrival gate, the passenger asked an airline employee for a wheelchair.  After waiting 20 minutes, the passenger started walking toward the baggage claim area.  In the international … More Court analyzes “accident” location in ruling on passenger remand motion

Montreal Convention eats passenger’s breakfast claim

February 5, 2007

Knowlton v. American Airlines, Inc. (D. Md. Jan. 31, 2007).  The passenger’s ticket for international travel included the notation “breakfast” for one of the flights.  However, during that flight the passenger was told by a flight attendant that the airline had changed its policy and that she had to pay $3.00 if she wished to have breakfast. The … More Montreal Convention eats passenger’s breakfast claim