12/22/2023

U.S. Scrutinizing Airline Frequent Flyer Programs

The agency said it's looking for deceptive or unfair practices

The U.S.  Department of Transportation (USDOT) is scrutinizing the frequent flyer programs of major U.S. airlines for potential deceptive or unfair practices, the agency said Thursday as regulators step up oversight of the airline industry.

The department has been meeting in recent weeks with passenger airlines to discuss the popular loyalty programs, including transparency practices when booking award tickets, transferability of miles and notice given before making changes, two sources told Reuters.

One other key issue USDOT is looking at is the devaluation of frequent flyer miles over time that makes it harder to book award tickets, a separate source told Reuters.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Reuters.