Travelers File Suit Vs. Two N. Texas Airlines Over High Airfares
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NORTH TEXAS (CBS11) - Some travelers say they're fed up with high airfares, and are striking back at the nation's four biggest airlines.
Ken Nelson is one of four people filing suit in Dallas against American, Southwest, Delta, and United Airlines after watching ticket prices he pays rise.
"Anywhere from $218 a few years ago, now all of a sudden we have a flight that's $560, that's over double in price."
Dallas attorney Warren Burns says their lawsuit accuses the airlines of violating federal antitrust laws so they can make big profits. "Policing what looks like an agreement to keep the number of flights static so that they can change higher fares to more customers."
In a statement, American Airlines says, "We believe these lawsuits are without merit...Demand has been enabled by a robust and competitive marketplace in which capacity has been added and average fares have decreased..."
Southwest Airlines isn't commenting on the lawsuit.
None of the plaintiffs is from North Texas.
Some industry analysts say right now, airfares from Dallas Love Field and DFW International Airport are some of the lowest in the nation because of extreme competition.
But Burns says he expects plaintiffs from North Texas. "Over the past few years, I've seen my prices going up. I've been paying higher prices for my tickets."
As for travelers like Ken Nelson, he has a message to the airlines. "Be fair. It's not just me, it's my fellow travelers, my buddy across the street."
Other civil lawsuits have been filed against the airlines across the country.
They follow news last week in which the U.S. Justice Department is conducting a price-fixing investigation.
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