Delta Airlines has agreed to a settlement of tens of millions of dollars to resolve a class-action lawsuit brought by customers who alleged that the airline refused to provide refunds for their canceled flights at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The value of the claims amounts to $27 million. Additionally, Delta also agreed to provide 7% interest, either in cash or credits, along with the refunds. Furthermore, the airline will be responsible for covering attorney fees, which are estimated to be around $2.3 million.
In a statement issued on Friday, Delta clarified that it does not admit to any wrongdoing or breach of contract as part of the settlement.
The settlement disclosed that more than 14,000 customers filed claims, representing only about 19% of the eligible customer base. The deadline for claim submissions was September 15.
Eligibility for the class action was extended to U.S. citizen customers who had purchased a nonrefundable ticket using U.S. dollars and had sought a refund for their ticket but instead received an unused credit. These tickets were for departing flights scheduled between March 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021, which Delta had canceled.
