American Airlines announced it will exclude tickets booked via agencies like yours from its loyalty program, AAdvantage, unless you can meet its unrealistic criteria to become an AA “preferred” agency, starting on May 1, 2024. 

This anti-competitive, anti-consumer move by American Airlines demands a response from Congress. Why? Because American Airlines has monopoly power across the country. 

This latest development doubles down on American Airlines’ clear agenda since last year to force the travel agency industry to adopt immature technology, monopolize distribution channels, and squeeze channel partners and customers for cost-cutting and profit.