It was disclosed last week that Spirit Airlines has agreed to pay US $8.25 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over its bag fees. The airline was sued by passengers who booked their trips through third-party travel sites between 2011-17.

The lawsuit said the budget airline’s carry-on bag fees were intentionally hidden in an effort to gain profit.

The suit claimed, “Spirit falsely misled the Plaintiff and numerous other consumers, and continues to mislead consumers into believing that they are purchasing low airfare, when, in fact, Spirit makes up whatever discount it purports to give consumers in fraudulent and unwarranted charges.”

“Spirit’s bait-and-switch and ‘gotcha’ tactics are designed to confuse, trick, and trap consumers to the public’s detriment.”
“Spirit’s fees are not conspicuously shown on its website or the websites of third party vendors, and consumers are often unaware of Spirit’s large and plentiful fees until after they purchase a ticket that initially appeared attractive.”

Flyers who had not paid for a carry-on bag in advance could be charged as much at US $100 at the gate to have their bag on the flight, the suit claimed. Bags checked ahead of time usually cost about US $40.

It was unsure as to how many people would claim refunds from the suit.