VANCOUVER – Some travelers who checked bags on certain WestJet flights between 2014 and 2019 can now claim their share of a class-action settlement approved by the British Columbia Supreme Court last month and valued at $12.5 million. dollars.

A statement from Evolink Law Group says anyone worldwide who paid a fee for their first checked bag on domestic and international flights during certain periods when they should not have been charged has until February 10 2025 to submit a claim.

The Burnaby, British Columbia-based law firm says the settlement will be distributed to class members in the form of WestJet travel credits, not cash.

It says the distribution will come after deducting collective attorney fees representing 1/3 of the settlement value, additional legal disbursements and a $1,500 fee for the plaintiff, which WestJet was to pay in cash.

The British Columbia Court of Appeal had rejected WestJet’s earlier efforts to overturn certification of the class action in 2022.

The Calgary-based airline ultimately changed its domestic fare wording to remove the statement that a checked bag would be free.

Evolink’s statement says any travel credits distributed to class members must be redeemed for WestJet flights within two years or they will expire.

Anyone who paid for their first checked bag on domestic Canadian flights booked directly with WestJet for travel between October 29, 2014 and July 29, 2017 can submit a claim, the law firm said in a statement released Friday.