American Airlines Airport Agents Now Pitching Credit Cards

If you've flown American Airlines, you've probably heard of the inflight credit card sales pitch for the co-branded Barclays card.

Flight attendants are paid for each approved application, so it could be a significant revenue stream for employees. Different flight attendants take this to different levels, some just make one announcement, others will do several announcements, pretend applications are running out, etc.

At American Airlines, the credit card sales pitches are going to be taken to the next level, as airport agents are also being incentivized to push credit cards.

American Airlines is giving airport agents the chance to be paid fees when passengers are approved for an AAdvantage card fromBarclays, as reported by View from the Wing. Employees will be given a $25 bonus if they successfully complete a 10-question quiz and read through a course in order to qualify for the program.

Employees can immediately participate in the program once approved. American Airlines employees can give out applications that have a unique code tied to that employee, so when someone applies and is approved, that employee is paid a commission.

While this will annoy some customers, the reality is that American makes more money from AAdvantage than it does from flying airplanes. Expansion of the share of passengers who have a credit card is a priority for AAdvantage, as the biggest source of revenue is through co- branded credit cards.

In what form will these credit card pitches come?

I haven't seen what restrictions are being placed on airport agents promoting credit cards. The check-in counter and the gate will be able to promote credit cards, so this could come in a number of different forms.

Will each customer be given an individualized credit card pitch at check-in? If your bag is overweight but you want to apply for a co- branded credit card, could check-in agents turn a blind eye?

Will there be credit card announcements at the gate?

Even if you don't plan on applying for the card, picking up an application might be worth it. If you pick up an application that pays them a commission, airline employees might be a bit more customer-focused.

The biggest issue with this is that American Airlines ground agents are already tired. American is boarding many flights with just one gate agent, and many check-in counters are understaffed. I don't know where the time for a credit card pitch is supposed to come from, I think it will be a priority for many employees.

Bottom line

American Airlines credit card pitches will no longer be limited to onboard, as they are now expanding to the airport. American airport agents can now promote and be paid a commission for approvals. This will apply to both agents at the gate and check-in.

If you get a credit card pitch from an airport agent, please report it.