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US inspects leading airlines' regular flyer plans for unfair practices

The U.S. Transportation Department (DOT) said on Thursday it is opening a questions into the 4 largest U.S. air provider rewards and frequent leaflet programs to ensure customers do not deal with unjust, deceptive, or anticompetitive practices.

Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg sent letters to American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, ordering them to provide records and send reports addressing comprehensive questions on their rewards programs.

The department is reviewing how consumers are affected by the decline of made rewards, concealed or dynamic pricing, additional costs, and decreased competition and option.

Reuters initially reported in December that DOT had started inspecting the regular flyer programs of significant U.S. airlines for possible deceptive or unjust practices.

DOT and the Customer Financial Defense Bureau held a. public hearing in May on airline company commitment programs, while some. legislators have actually also inspected the programs.

Buttigieg said the department is looking for more particular information. to much better understand the biggest benefits programs and recognize. possible competition or consumer defense concerns or dangers.

U.S. airline company regular leaflet programs have 10s of millions. of members and in addition to co-branded credit cards produce. billions in profits each year.

Delta, which stated in 2020 it had more than 100 million. regular flyer members, included 8.5 million members in 2022.

Southwest Airlines said its versatile benefits program. benefits has actually resulted in the provider doubling the industry. average of seats booked with points, while the other carriers. decreased or did not instantly comment.

Trade group Airline companies for America said U.S. airlines are. transparent about regular leaflet programs and policymakers. should ensure that consumers can continue to be used these. essential benefits..

(source: Reuters)