US appeals court reverses decision on skycap tips

BOSTON (AP) — A federal appeals court has reversed a ruling that awarded more than $333,000 to nine skycaps at Boston’s Logan International Airport who claimed they were cheated out of tips when American Airlines started charging curbside baggage fees.

The lower court’s decision had been based on Massachusetts law. The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, however, ruled that state law was pre-empted by federal law regulating airlines. It also says American Airlines clearly indicated with signs that the $2 fee started in 2005 wasn’t a tip.

Skycaps said in their lawsuit that many passengers thought the fee was a tip, and their income fell dramatically. They said the fee violated Massachusetts law protecting service workers.

A lawyer for the skycaps called the ruling “crushing.” American said in a statement it’s “pleased.”