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Airlines for America urges Congress to reject amendment on airline credit cards

Airlines for America urges Congress to reject amendment on airline credit cards
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Webp nicholas calio
Nicholas E. Calio, CEO Airlines for America | Linkedin

Airlines for America has announced its opposition to the Durbin-Marshall Amendment, urging Congress to reject it. The organization made this announcement on X, emphasizing the importance of airline credit card use in generating frequent flier rewards.

The Durbin-Marshall Amendment is part of the proposed Credit Card Competition Act, which aims to increase competition among credit card networks by requiring large card issuers to offer at least two unaffiliated networks for transaction routing. According to Airlines for America, this could reduce interchange fee revenue that funds airline rewards programs, potentially leading to fewer flights and diminished tourism. The organization argues that such changes would negatively impact consumers and the broader travel industry.

Airlines for America reports that over 31 million Americans hold airline travel reward cards. These cards are integral to airline loyalty programs, providing significant value to consumers through earned miles and points. The widespread use of these cards underscores their importance in the travel ecosystem.

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In 2023, 57% of all frequent flier miles and points issued were generated through airline credit card use, highlighting the critical role these cards play in loyalty programs. This statistic demonstrates the dependency of reward systems on credit card partnerships and the potential risk posed by legislative changes affecting interchange fees.

Airlines for America (A4A) is a trade association representing major U.S. passenger and cargo airlines. The organization advocates for policies that promote safety, security, and a healthy airline industry, engaging with government entities to shape regulations affecting aviation. A4A's members operate thousands of flights daily, supporting millions of jobs and contributing significantly to the U.S. economy.

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