American elevates corporate customers during disruptions

American Airlines has modified a controversial change to how it re-accommodates passengers during irregular operations, bumping all passengers with corporate contracts up to the level of elite fliers. The carrier will treat those who do not have status but flying on tickets booked under corporate contracts as if they are the in gold or platinum tiers of its frequent flier programme, says John Tingle, regional sales director for the US Southeast at American. Tingle's comments, which comes just over a month since a controversial change to how it prioritises travellers impacted by flight disruptions. In September, American set a policy for how it re-accommodates passengers, giving priority to top tier frequent fliers and those booked in premium cabins, and taking options away from economy passengers with no status. <br/>