Airlines group: Government review sought by Schumer not needed for frequent flier programs

Airlines: no review for frequent flier programs

ALBANY, N.Y. — The airline industry says there’s no need to interfere with frequent flier programs despite U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer’s request for a federal review to protect consumers.

James C. May of the Air Transport Association says the frequent flyer reward programs are innovations for consumers that Congress envisioned when it deregulated the industry. He says terms of frequent flyer contracts change from time to time in response to market conditions.

The CEO says that doesn’t justify what he called interference by government.

Schumer says he suspects consumers are losing their benefits because of confusing contracts and policies.

On Sunday, he asked the federal Department of Transportation to look into consumers’ concerns.