I’m a bit behind on getting you today’s news, but for those of you that don’t follow 20 blogs, here are the top three things to know today:
In this article
JetBlue to Aquire and Merge with Spirit Airlines
Yesterday, the Frontier and Spirit potential deal was called off. This deal, for a cool billion dollars more than Frontier was offering, gives Spirit shareholders $33.50 a share – 38% more than the stock closed at on Wednesday. JetBlue would be the surviving entity of the merger.
Of course, regulators could block the deal but this would essentially leave Frontier alone as an ULCC in the US.
Many fear this would cause an overall rise in airfare for the lower end of the market, as Frontier and Spirit competed on many routes while JetBlue will absorb Spirit into its own model which includes higher fares.
Southwest Won’t Expire Flight Credits
Cancelled a flight? Southwest will no longer expire flight credits. This is great news for an airline that already gives free checked bags and no change fees (aside from difference in fares).
Previously, these credits expired 12 months from the date you booked the ticket.
This applies to Flight credits unexpired on or created on or after July 28, 2022.
Proposed Bill to Limit Interchange Fees on Credit Cards Could Impact Rewards Cards
Gary Leff lays out numerous good reasons why he doesn’t think this bill would pass, and I sure hope it doesn’t as I agree with his points on why this would be worse, not better, for consumers.
The bipartisan bill is being introduced by Senators Dick Durbin (D) and Roger Marshall (R) and would limit the interchange fees that merchants could be charged when you swipe your credit card.
Durbin was responsible for the part of the Dodd Frank bill that limits interchange fees on debit cards. Many debit cards offers points or miles for charges on them – until Durbin came along. See any benefit to you from that?
Thoughts?
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You can find credit cards that best match your spending habits and bonus categories at Your Best Credit Cards.
New to all of this? My “introduction to miles and points” book, MilesTalk: Live Your Wildest Travel Dreams Using Miles and Points is available on Amazon and at major booksellers.
