Frequent Flyer Programmes:
Why So Very Valuable? — December 2024

In December, American Airlines announced a long-awaited renegotiation of its co-branded credit card agreement. In a ten-year exclusive deal, Citigroup will be the sole supplier of cards linked to American’s AAdvantage frequent flyer programme.

The company stated that “the agreement creates an innovative alignment between the Citi ThankYou and AAdvantage card programs and is designed to drive incremental value for both companies and produce a significantly expanded loyalty and rewards offering for AAdvantage members and Citi-branded cardmembers. As exclusive issuer, Citi will take on all American Airlines acquisition channels, including inflight and at airports.”