American Airlines, American Express Expand Payment Options in the Sky

American's full-scale launch follows successful testing executed in 2005. Results showed that passengers viewed the new payment option as a way of conserving cash while maintaining the ability to purchase items inflight.

According to the Nilson Report, a leading publication covering consumer payments, there were 1.7 billion cards (debit, credit and prepaid) in circulation by the end of 2004, generating $2.342 trillion in purchases. With more and more travelers, especially business travelers, using payment cards, the ability to accept credit and debit cards in the air allows American to extend another convenient payment option valued by its customers.

"Our customers appreciate choice and flexibility," said Lauri L. Curtis, Vice President-Onboard Service. "Expanding payment options for onboard purchases, such as snack boxes, sandwiches, alcoholic beverages and headsets, to include credit or debit cards is another way we offer our passengers convenience and flexibility, while providing a service no other major U.S. airline offers."

"We know that travelers, in particular those traveling for business, look for every opportunity to use an American Express Card," said Erich Franken, Vice President, Airline Industry, American Express Establishment Services. "Whether on the ground or 30,000 feet above it, American Airlines is offering a great way to increase the convenience of travel."

The rollout will take place during a six-week period and will be available on all American Airlines domestic and international flights by mid-June. The devices operate using Windows Mobile technology, common in mobile devices and PDAs, combined with wireless data transmission capabilities.

American Express and most other major credit and debit cards will be accepted. Receipts are available upon request.

The two companies are long-standing allies, going back to 1960 when American became the first airline to accept the American Express(R) Card. In addition, the two launched the American Express/Business ExtrAA(R) Card in 2003 offering corporate Cardmembers airfare rebates, travel awards and cash rebates from leading suppliers on everyday business expenses. Just last year, Citibank(R) and American Express announced the launch of the Citi(R) / AAdvantage(R) American Express Card, allowing Cardmembers to earn one American Airlines AAdvantage(R) mile for every dollar they spend on purchases -- up to 60,000 miles per calendar year.