BOSTON—Eight current and former American Airlines skycaps who were awarded more than $283,000 for tips lost when the airline implemented curbside baggage fees may have to return to court for the money.

U.S. District Judge William Young ordered a new trial in the lawsuit brought by the skycaps, who were employed by subcontractor, G2 Secure Staff. The ruling does not apply to a ninth skycap who worked directly for the airline.

The skycaps were awarded the money in April after a federal jury in Boston determined the airline violated state tips law.

Young said he erred and should have asked the jury to determine whether passengers who paid $2 fees to check in bags curbside expected the money to go to the skycaps.

Shannon Liss-Riordan, the skycaps’ lawyer, said she will ask Young to reconsider his ruling and if he declines, ask for an opinion from the state’s highest court.

Fort Worth, Texas-based American said it was pleased with the decision.