President Trump Doesn't Side with US Airlines During White House Meeting
The top executives at the major US airlines did not receive the outcome they had hoped for following a closed-door White House meeting with US President Donald Trump and Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker on July 18. According to reports from CNBC and Business Insider, President Trump did not side with US airline executives on accusations of unfair subsidies and illegal fifth-freedom routes.
Executives from airlines including American Airlines, United, and JetBlue met with President Trump and al-Baker. Executives from cargo airlines FedEx and AtlasAir and Vice President Mike Pence were also in attendance.
US Airlines Continue Battle With Middle Eastern Carriers Over Alleged Subsidies
During the meeting, CEOs from US airlines raised concerns that Middle Eastern carriers including Qatar Airways were receiving government subsidies and creating unfair competition. US airlines also raised concern over Qatar Airways' 49% stake in Air Italy, which they perceived as illegal fifth freedom routes.
The CEOs of American, Delta and United recently wrote a joint op-ed for USA Today where they urged the Trump Administration to act "decisively to hold Qatar and the UAE accountable."
One of the most vocal opponents of Middle Eastern airlines, Delta Air Lines, was absent from the meeting. According to Business Insider, Delta CEO Ed Bastian was unable to attend the meeting due to scheduling conflicts. President Trump shared his frustration with the absence of Bastian. Qatar Airways' al-Baker also shared his disappointment, noting he had traveled all the way from Qatar to attend the meeting.
In a statement following the meeting, a White House official told reporters that "The real story is that Delta refused the invite." The official went on to note that Bastian's absence, "Didn't help their [Delta] cause."
While White House officials and the CEO of Qatar Airways were disappointed with Bastian's absence, US airline executives were reportedly surprised that al-Baker was in attendance. A White House official said the following regarding al-Baker's attendance: "The president expressly wanted the Qatar CEO as he wanted a variety of perspectives, as he always does."
al-Baker only just met with President Trump earlier in the month to finalize an order for five Boeing 777 freighters. Qatar Airways is heavily invested in Boeing aircraft with more than 100 most widebody aircraft on order. There is speculation that President Trump has avoided siding with US airlines to prevent Middle Eastern airlines from having a reason to purchase non-American built aircraft built by Boeing.
President Trump Doesn't Take Sides, Instructs US Airlines To Go Through Normal Complaint Process
The meeting ended with US airline executives failing to secure a commitment or an agreement from the Trump Administration to intervene in the on-going dispute between US airlines and Middle Eastern airlines.
Ultimately, President Trump instructed US airlines to go through the standard process of filing a complaint through federal regulators. His instructions essentially shot down the chance of US airlines receiving direct assistance from the Trump Administration in the on-going battle with Middle Eastern carriers.
"We had a good meeting. Talked to the president about American jobs and the threat to American jobs from subsidized carriers outside the United States being able to fly from Europe into the United States," American Airlines CEO Doug Parker told reporters following the meeting. "Had a nice audience, and I think we made a good impression."
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.