Leading U.S. airlines, including American Airlines $AAL, United Airlines $UAL, and Southwest Airlines $LUV, have voiced strong opposition to a renewed legislative push that seeks to cap interchange fees charged by credit card giants Visa $V and Mastercard $MA. In a formal letter to U.S. senators, the aviation industry warned that the proposed legislation could undermine the economic foundation of rewards-based credit cards, potentially leading to the end of frequent flyer miles programs that are crucial to customer loyalty and airline revenues.

New technologies and advances in onboard services are reshaping the way airlines enhance passenger comfort and loyalty. Starting January 2026, American Airlines $AAL is set to embark on a new journey by offering free high-speed Wi-Fi on board through its partnership with AT&T $T . This move responds to the increasing significance of supplementary services as airlines vie for customer commitment.