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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Corporate watchdog Accountable.US welcomed the U.S. Department of Transportation’s new inquiry into whether the rewards programs offered by the top four U.S. airlines are engaging in “potential unfair, deceptive, or anticompetitive practices” that harm consumers. Accountable.US has previously documented how three of airlines named in DOT probe — American Airlines, Delta and United – are among six major airlines that took over $40 billion in federal pandemic aid and spent over $20.3 million while lobbying against Biden-Harris administration efforts to rein in junk fees charged by airlines.

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It would surprise no one if the same airline giants fighting against Biden-Harris administration’s requirements for upfront fee disclosures and automatic refunds for missed or canceled flights are also not being honest about their rewards programs that many everyday Americans count on and make plans around. There’s almost certainly a reason why these airline CEOs notorious for squeezing every last dime of profit out of consumers despite taking millions in taxpayer aid are protesting so much.”

Accountable.US’ Liz Zelnick

A recent analysis from Accountable.US found: 

  • American Airlines, which joined trade group Airlines for America in its lawsuit against DOT’s rule requiring airlines to be upfront about pricing has spent over $5.7 million since Q1 2023 while lobbying against both iterations of the FAIR Fees Act and paid over $5.5 million in membership dues to Airlines for America in 2022. American ended up taking over $12.8 billion in aid from the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Delta Air Lines has spent over $6.5 million since Q1 2023 while lobbying against the Department of Transportation’s delayed baggage and ancillary fees rule and its ticket refund rule. Meanwhile, Delta paid over $1 million in Airlines for America membership dues in 2023. Delta ultimately received $11.9 billion in aid during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • United Airlines, which joined Airlines for America’s lawsuit, received $10.9 billion in aid from the federal

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