WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Transportation Department 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, sources told Reuters.
“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 USDOT spokesperson said. “DOT officials are actively meeting with U.S. airlines and gathering more information on this issue.”
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Nick Zieminski)
