Skift

Episode Notes The Department of Transportation officially launched a probe on Thursday into whether the loyalty programs of the four largest U.S. airlines are engaging in deceptive or noncompetitive practices, writes Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi.  Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg sent a letter to American, Delta, United and Southwest requesting that they provide records about their loyalty programs. The department said its probe would focus on how frequent flyer programs are impacted by extra fees and hidden pricing as well as reduced competition and choice.  The Transportation Department first announced last November it would investigate the fairness of loyalty programs.  Next, Poland-based online travel agency group eSky is buying tour operator Thomas Cook for roughly $40 million. Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill provides takeaways from the deal. O’Neill notes eSky’s acquisition is part of its strategy to expand its package holiday business in Western Europe. ESky expects the deal to incr