Washington, DC hearing raises concerns about fairness of frequent flyer programs

Are frequent flyer programs fair to their members? That was the burning question at a recent hearing in Washington, D.C., where the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau came together to discuss the issue.

The hearing, which was announced last month following reports of an investigation into frequent flyer programs, aimed to gather information and ensure fair competition in the industry. While the event was not a formal investigation, it shed light on the concerns surrounding these programs.

Notably absent from the hearing were representatives from the largest airlines and banks that control the biggest frequent flyer programs. Instead, the panel included industry experts and advocates who shared their perspectives on the matter.

During the 90-minute hearing, two key themes emerged. The first was the fairness of changes to frequent flyer programs, with concerns raised about devaluations and restrictions on rewards. The second theme focused on how these programs impact competition between airlines and banks, with larger carriers using revenue from these programs to subsidize less profitable flights.

Despite the complexities and challenges associated with frequent flyer programs, a report published by the CFPB highlighted their continued value to consumers. In 2022, consumers earned $40 billion worth of rewards from credit cards, indicating a 50% increase from 2019.

While the future of frequent flyer programs remains uncertain, one thing is clear: these programs play a significant role in the economy and consumer decision-making. As the agencies continue to gather information and assess the situation, the ultimate goal is to ensure that consumers are treated fairly and receive the value they expect from these programs.