in Newswire November 5, 2019

Spirit Airlines Falsely Claimed ‘Shortcut Security’ Passes Provide Access to Quicker Security Lines, Suit Claims

Last Updated on November 5, 2019

Guzman v. Spirit Airlines, Inc.

Filed: November 1, 2019 ◆§ 0:19-cv-62725-XXXX

A class action claims Spirit Airlines sold “shortcut security” passes under the false pretense that they would allow customers access to a separate and quicker airport security line.

Defendant(s)

Spirit Airlines, Inc.

Law(s)

Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act

State(s)

Florida

A proposed class action lawsuit out of Florida accuses Spirit Airlines, Inc. of selling “shortcut security” passes that the defendant falsely claimed would give passengers access to a separate, fast-moving airport security line.

According to the complaint, these passes, which sold for between six and eight dollars, were a farce since most, “if not all,” of the airports Spirit flies out of do not have “shortcut” security lines. Spirit was well aware that it could not deliver on its promise of access to swifter security screenings, yet continued to sell the passes anyway, the lawsuit alleges.

The case claims that the defendant was never permitted to establish separate security lines since the authority to conduct and control security checks ultimately rests with the TSA– and not the airlines. From the complaint:

“In fact, there generally is no way to skip the normal airport security line apart from having a TSA ‘Precheck’ designation. Most airports in the United States do not allow airlines to conduct security themselves or to contract for a shorter security line available for only one airline carrier’s customers.”

Spirit has faced a similar suit over claims that its shortcut security passes do not provide access to separate security lines and are “a complete sham.” The latest suit requests that Spirit return profits from selling shortcut security passes and either begin providing the services promised to passengers or stop selling the passes altogether.