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Class action

Option consommateurs brought a class action against British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, in which it is alleged that they engaged in anticompetitive practices in order to fix the price of the fuel surcharge on their long-haul flights.

According to Option consommateurs, these anticompetitive practices led to an artificial increase of the price of tickets sold in Québec between August 2004 and November 2006, for long-haul flights operated by British Airways, with a departure point or final destination located in Québec. 

In doing so, British Airways would have caused damages to the members of the class.

The class action seeks reimbursement of the fuel surcharges that the purchasers overpaid, as well as the costs of investigation.

British Airways disputes these allegations. Virgin Atlantic settled, without admission.

Who is a member of this class action? 

You are a member of the class if you fulfill all of the following conditions:

  • You are a consumer;
    or
  • You are a legal person, a company or an association that had under its direction or control, at any time between August 3rd, 2006 and August 3rd, 2007, no more than fifty (50) employees, and you are not linked to Option consommateurs;

-AND-

  • You bought a ticket for a long-haul flight operated by British Airways between the months of August 2004 and November 2006;
  • You bought this ticket in Québec;
  • The departure point or final destination of your travel was located in Québec.

What is the status of this class action?

In April 2012, Option consommateurs filed a Motion to Institute Proceedings. 

The file is currently at the merit stage.

How can I stay informed of the upcoming steps in the case?

If you are a member of the class action, we invite you to register to our mailing list. This way, we can communicate with you as soon as important developments occur in the file.

For more information, you can also contact Belleau Lapointe directly.


Pleadings and judgments


Chronology

August 3, 2007

Filing of the Motion for Authorization to Institute a Class Action.

December 12, 2011

Judgment Granting the Authorization to Institute a Class Action.

April 25, 2012

Filing of the Motion to Institute Proceedings.