Delta, Southwest And Other Airlines In Hot Waters With US Transportation Department For Unfair Rewards Programs
Delta, Southwest And Other Airlines In Hot Waters With US Transportation Department For Unfair Rewards Programs
Transportation Secretary The U.S. Transportation Department (DOT) is delving into the rewards and frequent flyer programs of the four largest U.S. airlines. The investigation aims to ensure consumers are treated fairly and not disadvantaged by these programs.
美国运输部（DOT）正在调查四家美国最大航空公司的奖励和常旅客计划。该调查旨在确保消费者受到公平对待，并且不会因这些计划而处于不利地位。
What Happened: The DOT has launched an inquiry into the rewards programs of American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL), Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL), Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV), and United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL). The airlines are required to provide records and comprehensive reports on their rewards programs.
发生了什么：DOT已对美国航空集团股份有限公司（纳斯达克：AAL）、达美航空公司（纽交所：DAL）、西南航空公司（纽交所：LUV）和联合航空控股公司（纳斯达克：UAL）的奖励计划展开调查。这些航空公司需要提供有关奖励计划的记录和详尽报告。
The probe seeks to comprehend the impact on consumers due to the devaluation of earned rewards, concealed or fluctuating pricing, additional fees, and diminished competition and choice. This move follows a public hearing conducted in May by the DOT and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on airline loyalty programs.
该调查旨在了解由于奖励价值贬值、价格被隐藏或波动、额外费用以及竞争和选择减少而带来的对消费者的影响。这一举措是在DOT和消费者金融保护局在五月举行了一次公开听证会后采取的。
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has expressed the department's need for more detailed data to fully understand these rewards programs and pinpoint any potential competition or consumer protection issues.
运输部部长皮特·布迪吉格表示，部门需要更详细的数据才能充分了解这些奖励计划，并确定任何潜在的竞争或消费者保护问题。
Trade group Airlines for America has defended U.S. airlines, stating that they are transparent about their frequent flyer programs. The group highlighted the significance of these programs, which were vital for airlines to generate revenue and secure funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
航空公司美国协会的贸易团体为美国航空公司辩护，称其在常客计划方面是透明的。该团体强调了这些计划的重要性，这对航空公司在COVID-19大流行期间收入和安全资金至关重要。
Commenting to Reuters, Delta acknowledged the DOT's inquiry and will respond in due course. Southwest defended its flexible rewards program.
达美向路透社发表评论时承认DOT的调查，并将及时做出回应。西南航空公司捍卫了其灵活的奖励计划。
Why It Matters: This investigation comes on the heels of recent changes to the rewards programs of these airlines. In September 2023, Delta faced backlash from customers following an overhaul of its loyalty program. The airline's CEO, Ed Bastian, promised adjustments in response to the criticism.
为什么重要：这一调查是在这几家航空公司的奖励计划最近发生变化之后进行的。在2023年9月，达美由于调整其忠诚计划而受到客户的抨击。航空公司的CEO艾德·巴斯蒂安承诺将对批评做出调整。
In March, United Airlines introduced a new feature in its MileagePlus program, allowing members to pool their miles with family and friends. This move made United the first major U.S. carrier to offer such an option.
三月份，联合航空公司在其里程加航计划中推出了一个新功能，允许会员将里程与家人和朋友共享。这一举动使联合成为首家提供这种选择的主要美国承运人。
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Image via Shutterstock
图片来自shutterstock。
This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Pooja Rajkumari
本报道使用Benzinga Neuro生成，并由Pooja Rajkumari编辑
