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.
美國運輸部（DOT）正在調查四家美國最大航空公司的獎勵和常旅客計劃。該調查旨在確保消費者受到公平對待，並且不會因這些計劃而處於不利地位。
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.
發生了什麼：DOT已對美國航空集團股份有限公司（納斯達克：AAL）、達美航空公司（紐交所：DAL）、西南航空公司（紐交所：LUV）和聯合航空控股公司（納斯達克：UAL）的獎勵計劃展開調查。這些航空公司需要提供有關獎勵計劃的記錄和詳盡報告。
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.
該調查旨在了解由於獎勵價值貶值、價格被隱藏或波動、額外費用以及競爭和選擇減少而帶來的對消費者的影響。這一舉措是在DOT和消費者金融保護局在五月舉行了一次公開聽證會後採取的。
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.
運輸部部長皮特·布迪吉格表示，部門需要更詳細的數據才能充分了解這些獎勵計劃，並確定任何潛在的競爭或消費者保護問題。
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.
航空公司美國協會的貿易團體爲美國航空公司辯護，稱其在常客計劃方面是透明的。該團體強調了這些計劃的重要性，這對航空公司在COVID-19大流行期間收入和安全資金至關重要。
Commenting to Reuters, Delta acknowledged the DOT's inquiry and will respond in due course. Southwest defended its flexible rewards program.
達美向路透社發表評論時承認DOT的調查，並將及時做出回應。西南航空公司捍衛了其靈活的獎勵計劃。
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.
爲什麼重要：這一調查是在這幾家航空公司的獎勵計劃最近發生變化之後進行的。在2023年9月，達美由於調整其忠誠計劃而受到客戶的抨擊。航空公司的CEO艾德·巴斯蒂安承諾將對批評做出調整。
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，聯合航空公司在其里程加航計劃中推出了一個新功能，允許會員將里程與家人和朋友共享。這一舉動使聯合成爲首家提供這種選擇的主要美國承運人。
- Boeing Starliner Return: Sunita Williams And Butch Wilmore Prepare Spacecraft For Uncrewed Journey Back To Earth
- 波音Starliner返回：蘇尼塔·威廉姆斯和布奇·威爾莫爾爲無人駕駛飛船準備返回地球之旅
Image via Shutterstock
圖片來自shutterstock。
This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Pooja Rajkumari
本報道使用Benzinga Neuro生成，並由Pooja Rajkumari編輯
譯文內容由第三人軟體翻譯。
