udge W. Earl Britt's decision in the
Sarah Hall case had a number of observers asking about Lufthansa,
which had already settled. Does the judge's order to dismiss the
case have any effect on Lufthansa's settlement?
The answer is no. Lufthansa is already out of the case. In
response to a query, the airline said, "We were proactive in
reaching the settlement, we are pleased with the settlement and it
is a binding agreement."
Daniel Shulman, Hall's attorney, agreed: "The deal's the deal.
Lufthansa has settled. That deal is in place. We think it is good
not only for the travel agents, but it will be good for Lufthansa.
If it gives them a lot more business, they'll be glad they did it,
and we hope that's what happens."
Some agents, however, objected to the settlement and filed to
appeal it on the grounds that it's not generous enough. Now that
Britt has poked holes in Hall's case against the airlines, will
those agents continue the appeal?
One of the agents' attorneys, Frank Tomlinson in Birmingham,
Ala., said it hasn't been decided, but "we'll know by the end of
the year."
On the other hand, Brenda Matthews, litigation assistant to
co-counsel Albert Bacharach in Gainesville, Fla., said, "The appeal
will continue."
As for the agents, Babette Rinis at Rinis Travel in Silver
Spring, Md., said Britt's action does not affect the issue of
whether the Lufthansa offer is a good one. As far as she knows, the
agents' appeal is "still proceeding."