Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Lexyl Travel Technologies and HotelPlanner.com for Unexpected Charges, Misrepresenting Fees, and Hiding the Opt-Out Option

Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia recently filed a class action lawsuit against Lexyl Travel Technologies, a Florida-based travel booking company that operates multiple websites. The lawsuit alleges that Lexyl unfairly charged millions of dollars in hidden fees under the guise of “upgraded experiences.”

More specifically, the lawsuit claims that Lexyl Travel Technologies violated Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) and other consumer protection statutes.

WHG and Adam Florek from Florek Law filed the class action lawsuit on January 2, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

The official filing can be read here: Canteenwalla et al., v. Lexyl Travel Technologies, LLC (Case No. 9:25-cv-80007-RS).

These websites claim to offer discounted hotel bookings. However, Lexyl’s business practices allegedly include deceptive charges, including hidden travel insurance fees and misleading consumers into subscription-based programs like Global Privileges, marketed as providing exclusive travel benefits.

The Defendant: Lexyl Travel Technologies

Lexyl Travel Technologies operates a network of travel booking websites. However, HotelPlanner.com is by far the most popular, with approximately 1.6 million visits per month.

Their full list of websites includes:

BookOnline.com
HotelGuides.com
Hotels-Rates.com
HotelPlanner.com
Room77.com

Contact WHG To See If You Can Join the Class Action

The Initial Plaintiffs and Allegations

The plaintiffs, Mr. Percy Canteenwalla from Florida and Mr. Giuseppe Russo from New York, represent individuals who fell victim to Lexyl’s predatory practices.

Both plaintiffs booked hotel accommodations on Lexyl’s websites and were automatically enrolled in travel insurance without explicit consent.

These fees were presented as part of an “upgraded experience” with opt-out options hidden in small, greyed-out text—violating transparency and fair business standards.

Key allegations include:

Negative Billing Practices:

Automatic enrollment in travel insurance and additional fees without informed consent.

Misrepresentation of Fees:

Advertising the insurance as a complimentary benefit while charging customers.

Obscured Opt-Out Options:

Making it nearly impossible for consumers to avoid these charges due to unclear and inaccessible opt-out settings.

Lexyl’s practices have resulted in tens of millions of dollars in deceptive charges, affecting thousands of consumers across the United States and internationally.

Real Customers and Their Experience with HotelPlanner and Protecht

Carol from TrustPilot: Don’t remember ever buying this…

“Don’t remember ever buying this Insurance. [I] booked a room from the parking lot of the hotel…so why would I need this insurance. The room cost was $139.00 a night and my bill was $227.29. [It] shouldn’t have been that much even with the tax. Somehow I didn’t even get a receipt, only a charge on my debit card. Then I get an email from Protecht about my refund protection which I didn’t purchase. Total SCAM. Now I can’t even find a number to call to complain. I’m afraid to use any of the links in the email for fear that my account will get hacked. Don’t know what to do.”

Date of experience: December 15, 2024

Anonymous on Better Business Bureaus: I’m concerned I’ve been scammed.

“I ordered tickets to an amusement park and this coverage was added in error. I am following the instructions in the email to cancel coverage but I get an error saying it cannot be voided. When you call their customer service number they tell you to follow the link on the website. I am reading accounts if others having the same issue. I’m concerned I’ve been scammed.”

Date of experience: November 16, 2024

What This Means for Consumers

The lawsuit highlights Lexyl’s exploitation of consumer trust through practices designed to obscure additional charges. By filing this lawsuit, Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia aim to:

Recover monetary damages for affected individuals.
Secure injunctive relief to prevent Lexyl from continuing these deceptive practices.
Hold Lexyl accountable under the FDUTPA and other consumer protection laws.

Contact WHG to Join the Class Action Lawsuit

Have you booked travel accommodations on any of the following websites since December 2020?

BookOnline.com
HotelGuides.com
HotelPlanner.com
Hotels-Rates.com
Room77.com

Were you automatically enrolled in travel insurance or Global Privileges without your knowledge?

If so, you may be entitled to compensation as part of this class action lawsuit.

Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia is committed to standing up for consumers against deceptive business practices. Let our experienced attorneys fight for your rights and help bring accountability to Lexyl Travel Technologies.

Contact us today for a free consultation to see if you qualify to join this class action lawsuit. Call us at 800-320-HELP (4357) or fill out one of the forms on this page.