Big four US airlines collude on prices, consumers say in suit

[CHICAGO] The four biggest US airlines were sued by consumers claiming the carriers are conspiring to keep ticket prices high, after the US Justice Department began an investigation into possible collusion.

Delta Air Lines Inc, United Continental Holdings Inc, American Airlines Group Inc and Southwest Airlines Co were sued on July 2 in Chicago federal court. A day earlier, American Airlines and Southwest confirmed receipt of Justice Department requests for information relating to pricing.

The Chicago lawsuit is at least the second such claim filed. Suing travelers are seeking to represent anyone who bought a ticket for domestic air travel from Oct 1, 2012 to now, together with unspecified money damages.

BLOOMBERG