Perhaps spurred by the potential for a congressional investigation, the Department of Transportation will take a deeper dive into airline frequent flyer applications.
Specifically, the DOT is in search of any unfair or misleading practices with the loyalty playing cards.
The authorities company can be wanting on the devaluation of the playing cards — that’s, the rising variety of factors wanted to e book a free flight.
“We plan to carefully review complaints regarding loyalty programs and exercise our authority to investigate airlines for unfair and deceptive practices that hurt travelers as warranted,” a division spokesperson stated. “DOT officials are actively meeting with U.S. airlines and gathering more information on this issue.”
Frequent flyer miles was once accrued by means of the variety of flights and variety of miles flown on a sure airline.
Now, nearly each airline has an affiliated bank card on which you’ll acquire miles simply by means of on a regular basis purchases.
Delta Air Lines, as an example, added greater than 8 million frequent flyer members final 12 months.
The loyalty playing cards have been underneath scrutiny for months by Senate Judiciary Committee chair Dick Durbin, D-Ill, and Senator Roger Marshall, R-Kan. The two males have lobbied closely for laws towards the frequent flyer applications, however the airways, naturally, have fought towards it.
The lawmakers need at the least two networks to supply an digital selection in how they’re processed.
Many airways additionally companion with different carriers to supply reciprocal factors of accumulation.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com”