Southwest, American Win Final OK of Price Fixing Class Deals

American Airlines Inc. and Southwest Airlines Co. won final approval May 13 of class settlements to end consumer antitrust claims that they and two other major U.S. airlines colluded to limit plane capacity and drive up domestic airfares.

Southwest will pay $15 million and American will pay $45 million to about 100 million class members under the respective deals.

Litigation against the remaining defendants, United Airlines Inc. and Delta Air Lines Inc., is ongoing.

As part of their settlements, Southwest and American agreed to help the plaintiffs with their claims against United and Delta.

Southwest’s settlement amount was discounted ...