Expedia Class Action Settlement Proposed for $123.4 Million
A proposed Settlement has been made on behalf of a nationwide class of consumers who booked hotel stays through Expedia from January 10, 2001 through June 11, 2008 and paid a "Tax Recovery Charge" and a "Service Fee." If approved, the Settlement will provide for the distribution to Class Members of $123.4 million in cash payments and Expedia Settlement Credit that can be used for hotel reservations and "package" reservations that include hotel reservations.Consumers of hotel stays through Expedia ("Plaintiffs") filed a lawsuit against Expedia primarily concerning the bundled "Tax Recovery Charges" and "Service Fees" charged by Expedia when consumers book a hotel stay through Expedia's website or telephone operators. The Plaintiffs alleged that, in its assessment of "Tax Recovery Charges" and "Service Fees," Expedia (i) committed deceptive or unfair practices in violation of the Washington Consumer Protection Act ("CPA") from January 10, 2001 to June 11, 2008, and (ii) breached its contractual obligations from February 18, 2003 through December 11, 2006.
A Final Approval hearing is scheduled for December 1, 2009. If the settlement is approved, each qualified plaintiff will have the choice as to whether to receive cash or Expedia Settlement Credit.
If you wish to receive Settlement Benefits in the form of a cash payment, you must go the Settlement Website at www.ServiceFeesSettlement.com by December 31, 2009 and fill out a simple electronic form.
If you wish to object to the proposed Settlement or any of its terms, you must file a written objection with the Court, Plaintiffs' Counsel, and Defendant's counsel by November 11, 2009.
If you wish to exclude yourself from the proposed Settlement and preserve any rights you may have to sue Expedia separately for the legal claims asserted in this lawsuit, you must submit an Opt-Out form by November 11, 2009.
