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The Department of Transportation has sent letters to United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines demanding detailed information about their frequent flyer programs. The inquiry focuses on changes in award pricing, advance notice of program changes to members, and the value of points over the past six years. Each airline must respond by December 4.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized consumer protection as the primary goal: "Points systems like frequent flyer miles and credit card rewards have become such a meaningful part of our economy that many Americans view their rewards points balances as part of their savings." He added that these programs offer real value to consumers but are controlled by companies that can unilaterally change their value. "Our goal is to ensure consumers are getting the value that was promised to them," he stated.
United has devalued its miles since eliminating award charts in 2019. Delta charges more than four times as many miles for certain seats compared to its partners. Southwest has reduced its points' value by 43% over twelve years.
