U.S. DOT initiating probe of airline frequent flyer programs, Reuters reports

The U.S. Department of Transportation is initiating a probe of U.S. Airlines’ frequent flyer programs for “potential deceptive or unfair practices,” reports Reuters. “We plan to carefully review complaints regarding loyalty programs and exercise our authority to investigate airlines for unfair and deceptive practices that hurt travelers as warranted, DOT officials are actively meeting with U.S. airlines and gathering more information on this issue, “said a DOT spokesperson, according to Reuters. Publicly traded companies in the space include Alaska Air (ALK), American Airlines (AAL), Delta Air Lines (DAL), JetBlue (JBLU), Southwest (LUV), Spirit Airlines (SAVE) and United Airlines (UAL).