The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) has criticised American Airlines’ decision to only award loyalty points to clients booking directly or through preferred agencies, calling it a “punitive measure” against travel agencies that use third-party booking platforms.
WTAAA warns that this policy threatens the travel agent ecosystem and puts the vast majority of travel agency customers at a disadvantage.
The association states that American Airlines’ new policy discourages travellers from booking through travel agencies, which play an important role in helping customers maximise the benefits of airline loyalty programs.
WTAAA calls on American Airlines to reverse the policy, engage in dialogue with travel agency associations, and find solutions that preserve consumer choice and uphold fair competition in the travel industry.
