American Airlines and Mastercard Renew Partnership for Even More Rewarding Travel Experiences
'American is proud to collaborate with Mastercard to deliver best-in-class travel solutions for our AAdvantage® co-branded credit cardmembers,' said American's CEO Robert Isom.
'American is proud to collaborate with Mastercard to deliver best-in-class travel solutions for our AAdvantage ® co-branded credit cardmembers,' said American's CEO Robert Isom. 'Together, we are rewarding our mutual customers with travel experiences that make their journeys truly special.'
The agreement secures Mastercard as the exclusive payment network partner for American's co-branded credit cards, building on nearly 40 years of collaboration between the two companies. Together, American and Mastercard will continue to enhance the AAdvantage ® program — American's industry-leading travel rewards program — while providing cardholders with seamless and personalized experiences on every trip.
'We're incredibly proud of our partnership with American Airlines and the nearly 40 years of priceless experiences, benefits and innovation the program has brought to cardholders,' said Michael Miebach, CEO at Mastercard. 'Looking to the future, we'll continue to bring our expanded suite of products and services to deliver what cardmembers want: personalized offers, valuable rewards, fraud protection and opportunities to explore their passions.'
Enhancing the customer experience
American will enhance its AAdvantage ® program using Mastercard's payments infrastructure and analytics to deliver more personalized offers, optimized rewards and seamless, secure transactions. Mastercard's technology will power real-time fraud detection and optimize payments from booking to in flight. Advanced analytics will help refine the customer travel experience while AAdvantage ® members gain new ways to redeem miles for Mastercard Priceless Experiences.
Unlocking priceless possibilities for cardholders
A hallmark of the American and Mastercard partnership is the ability to bring cardmembers closer to the experiences they value most. From upgraded travel privileges to once-in-a-lifetime Priceless Experiences — such as meet-and-greets with world-class athletes, VIP access at major cultural events and behind-the-scenes tours at iconic destinations — cardholders enjoy curated access designed to surprise and delight.
As American and Mastercard look to the future, they remain committed to delivering innovative, personalized offerings that meet the needs of today's global traveler, ensuring every trip is not only seamless, but priceless.
About American Airlines
As a leading global airline, American Airlines offers thousands of flights per day to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries. The airline is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. Learn more about what's happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. To Care for People on Life's Journey ®.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
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Forbes
a few seconds ago
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The Balkan Country That Adores Americans
Pasqyra Beach between Ksamil and Sarande, Albania getty With a dramatic coastline, ancient ruins, low cost of living, and surprisingly generous visa policy, Albania is making waves—particularly among American travelers and digital nomads. While many European countries enforce strict Schengen visa limits, Albania rolls out the red carpet. U.S. citizens can stay for an entire year upon arrival—no paperwork, fees, or visa application required. It's a remarkable offer compared to most other countries, which only allow visits of one to three months. Sasha Savinov, a digital nomad expert who runs the Grateful Gnomads travel blog, says 'Considering how difficult it is for Albanians to even visit the U.S. as a tourist, I, for one, am very appreciative of their welcoming attitude towards Americans. Having done that first month-long stay in the country, I would gladly go back and stay awhile.' The Albanian Riviera has gone viral on social media because of its striking turquoise waters and rugged coastline that rivals the Greek islands but comes at a fraction of the price. Towns like Vlore offer seaside living without crowds of tourists or inflated real estate prices found elsewhere in Europe. What really sets Albania apart, however, is its genuine affection for Americans. In 2007, George W. Bush became the first sitting U.S. president to visit the country. His trip was met with jubilation. 'Our guide, Ermal, told us stories of being a kid and how excited everyone was for this historic occasion,' says Sasha. 'He emphasized how much Albanians love the U.S. and how happy he was to have Americans booking tours with him. I don't think he was saying it just to be nice.' Clyde from Havenbach, an Albania-focused relocation and real estate consultancy service, describes it this way: 'Americans are seen in a good way here. People are friendly, curious, and open. There's no hate or weird looks. In fact, many Albanians respect the U.S., especially because of politics and history. Older people often bring up how the U.S. helped Kosovo, and that left a strong impression. Young people follow American culture, music, and even slang. If you tell someone you're from the U.S., they'll usually react in a positive way. You might even get treated better in some cases.' Albania has a complex, layered history. It's home to Greek colonies like the ancient Apollonia as well as Roman and Byzantine ruins. Northern Albania had strong ties with Roman Catholicism, while the south aligned more with Eastern Orthodoxy. The country declared its independence in 1912, but decades of turmoil followed. Albania was one of the first to fall to the Axis in World War II. Later, it aligned with Stalin's USSR and then Maoist China before becoming one of the most isolated communist states in the world. Democracy came with a rocky transition in 1991. Today, Albania is a NATO member and an EU candidate, vying for full membership by 2030. Corruption remains a challenge, but development is underway, including infrastructure improvements and a growing tourism sector. The Expat Experience In Albania Albania is an excellent base for Americans in Europe. 'We were turned on to Albania by some other digital nomad friends who told us what a great bargain it was finding accommodation there,' says Sasha, recalling how he first heard about it. 'While Airbnb and Vrbo are overpriced in big European cities like Barcelona and Prague, they're still a fantastic deal in Tirana.' Albania attracts an increasingly international crowd. Sasha says, 'More and more expats have been finding their way here as well from all corners of the world—the U.S., Turkey, China, and beyond. Even some digital nomads are giving Albania a try these days, including me.' The country has introduced what many refer to as a digital nomad visa, officially called the Unique Permit. It allows stays of a year and can be renewed, though the income required to qualify is not clear. But applying for this or another visa is often unnecessary for Americans. With a full year granted on arrival, many use that time to explore and determine their long-term plans. Relocating isn't complicated. Clyde says, 'There are a few ways to qualify for a residence permit. You can apply as a retiree, as self-employed, for family reasons, or even just show you have stable income. Some people just register a small business to make the process easier. 'To apply, you'll need a few basic things: a rental contract, proof of income or savings, a clean criminal record, health insurance, and passport photos. Some documents need to be translated and notarized. It sounds like a lot, but it's manageable.' Albania Is Not Perfect Albania has its downsides. English isn't widely spoken outside the capital. Infrastructure can be spotty. Roads in rural areas may be in poor condition. Customer service standards are different from what most Americans are used to. There are no direct flights to the U.S. at the moment, though this may change soon. Delta Air Lines is supposedly in talks about a direct New York-Tirana route. A new international airport in Vlore, designed to accommodate transatlantic planes, is also in development. For many, Albania's upsides outweigh its downsides. It's not part of the Schengen Zone, making it a strategic stop for anyone traveling in Europe long-term who needs to reset their 90-day visa clock. It's safe compared to major U.S. cities. The café culture is vibrant, and the cost of living is low. As Clyde says, 'if you're someone who wants peace, more freedom, and a cheaper life, it's a strong option. You'll have to adjust to some things, but that's part of the experience.' 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28 minutes ago
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COFICERT : ORGANIZATION OF AN INTERNATIONAL CEREMONY FOR THE AWARDING OF FINANCIAL AND NON-FINANCIAL COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES AT EURONEXT
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The companies certified during this ceremony belong to strategic sectors, placing them in a position to drive change within their respective countries or regions, thereby fostering the widespread adoption of best practices and contributing to enhanced integrity across the financial system. Notably, the companies that made the trip to Paris are among the leading financial and economic players on the African continent. West and Central Africa were represented by BSIC and NSIA Bank (Benin, Guinea, Togo, Senegal), as well as BGFIBank Group (Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Cameroon, DRC), all of which hold prominent regional positions. North Africa was well represented by Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt, with leading institutions such as Bank of Tunisia, Tunisie Leasing & Factoring, Tunisie Valeurs, Hannibal Lease, BSB TOYOTA, Attawfiq Microfinance, and Alamana Microfinance. The diversity of these profiles illustrates the inclusive and structuring purpose of the MSI 20000® Standard, uniting key transformational actors at a regional level and compliance drivers at an international level. The organization of this event, along with the presence of official delegations and international organizations, underscores the growing importance attributed to financial and non-financial compliance as a pillar of performance, responsibility, and ultimately, value creation. 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Symbolic, because the adoption of these standards reflects the commitment of companies and institutions to comply with demanding, internationally recognized standards. Foundational, because it contributes to a dynamic of trust, transparency, and responsibility at both the European and global levels. Furthermore, the Paris Stock Exchange, a crossroads of markets and investments, perfectly embodies COFICERT's mission: to raise standards, secure economic relationships, and recognize the value of committed organizations.' Mr. Souheil Skander, CEO of COFICERT, added: 'The companies certified to the MSI 20000, ISO 37001, and AML 30001 standards have successfully turned what was once a constraint into an opportunity and a powerful lever of attractiveness and value creation. Certifications today serve as true benchmarks – they are closely observed and highly valued. They offer undeniable competitive and differentiation advantages, effectively acting as a qualitative filter. These certifications have become tools of assurance, opportunity, and synergy for business development.' IGSF (International Group for Sustainability Finance) is a non-profit NGO based in Luxembourg, whose activities aim to channel and organise international efforts in financial and extra-financial standard-setting. As a standard-setting body, IGSF operates along two main axes: first, the technical organization of standards related to financial and extra-financial governance; and second, the dissemination of standards and best practices. The issues addressed by IGSF include financial governance, the fight against financial crime and the social responsibility of companies and organisations of all types. COFICERT is a French certification body specializing in financial and non-financial certifications, operating in nearly 50 countries across 3 continents. COFICERT is recognized for its expertise in governance, anti-financial crime, and sustainable finance. It certifies organizations in areas related to sound financial governance (MSI 20000), extra-financial governance (ESG 1000), anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML 30001), and anti-corruption (ISO 37001). COFICERTPress Contact+33 (0)1.78.91.06.00presse@ AELIUM FinancialCommunicationSolène KENNIS skennis@ Attachment EN_CP_COFICERT-EURONEXT-IGSF_VO
Yahoo
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The millennial case against having baby number 3
Many millennial parents have just two kids, seeing three as a luxury. Experts say it's not just financial and logistical. It's down to changing values, too. Millennial parents who considered having more kids share the roadblocks they came up against. Victoria Lamson and her husband once entertained the idea of having a third child. Then, they considered the logistics. Even having their two children was a challenge. To alleviate financial strain, they "intentionally put five years in between" having children, Lamson, 38, told Business Insider. The couple is raising them in San Francisco, the most expensive US city. They send their 7-year-old son to a nearby parochial school because the public school system in San Francisco is "definitely struggling," Lamson said. When her 2-year-old daughter is old enough, she will attend the same school. Private school costs in the city average $26,000 per child annually. Moving, in order to afford a third child, would also be difficult — both her and her husband's families live nearby. Plus, she and her husband's careers have undergone many changes. Lamson pivoted from sales to PR, ending her first contract PR role when she gave birth to her second child. She spent part of her maternity leave looking for a new job. Meanwhile, her husband, who works in tech recruiting, has experienced a decline in business with the recent tech layoffs. "Putting all those factors together, it really just doesn't make sense for us anymore," Lamson said. Lamson and her husband join other millennials, who are between the ages of 29 and 44, averaging two kids max. Along with the millennials who are having fewer kids or remaining child-free, the generation is often blamed for America's shrinking birth rate. There isn't one economic or cultural reason as to why so many millennials are two-and-done with having kids. While childcare costs and fertility issues play substantial roles, there has also been a sea change in what an ideal family — and family size — looks like. Barely making do with two When it comes to family size, millennials aren't that different from their predecessors. According to a 2020 Pew Research Center Report, millennial women average 2.02 kids. At similar ages, Gen X women had 2.05 kids and boomers 2.07. Pamela Smock, a professor of sociology at the University of Michigan, said having two kids has been an American ideal since the 1960s. The difference between the generations is that millennials are less likely to have kids than previous generations. In that sense, a young family with two kids is no longer the norm, but, for some, a symbol of luxury. "People see marriage and childbearing as something to do once they feel economically comfortable," Smock said. To many, that means not having any debt and being able to afford a mortgage. The average millennial borrower owes $42,000 in student loan debt, part of why it's so difficult for millennials to buy their first homes. Comparatively, 45% of baby boomers bought their first homes between the ages of 25 and 34. Work has also changed, Smock said. Gone are the lifelong jobs that require a basic college degree. Millennials are known as the "job-hopping generation," which also impacts their sense of security as costs keep rising. Stephanie Fornaro, a 40-year-old mom of two in Dallas, has a 20-year-old daughter in college and a 7-year-old son. She had her daughter when she was 20, but delayed having her son until her early 30s. "Financially, I was in a different season in my life to afford a second child," she said, adding that she divorced a few years after giving birth to her daughter. It was only when she remarried in 2017 that she felt secure enough to have another kid. Wendie N. Choudary, a sociologist and lecturer at Binghamton University, told BI that in addition to rent or housing costs, millennial parents also have to deal with astronomically high childcare costs, paying an annual average of $11,000 per child. Fornaro, who founded and runs a national childcare agency, said a third child would have a huge financial impact on her family. To keep up with her job, she would need a full-time nanny — roughly $80,000 a year in Dallas. Childcare costs are so high that some parents struggle to even have their second child. Katie Waldron, who lives in Long Island, New York, previously told Business Insider that she and her husband want a second child soon, but are considering moving to the UK to be closer to his family and find more affordable childcare services. "The burden of childcare costs and, equally, the lack of emotional support as we go through our parenting journey make it impossible to have another," she said. Millennials are having kids later Economic uncertainty also plays a role in millennials having kids later than past generations, Smock said, thus affecting how many they have. Millennials' median age for first-time parents is 27.3, a significant increase from the 1970s when it was the norm to have kids at 21. Depending on when they start having kids, timing the third can be tricky. More parents are having kids in their 40s, past the fertility peak at 37 years old. Even if the plan is to have more than two kids, it's not necessarily in the parents' control, Smock said. Not everyone can afford IVF, which can cost $12,000 and require six rounds to achieve success. Having kids past 35 also increases the chances of conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature birth, or genetic disorders in the fetus. Parents considering a third child in their late 30s or early 40s might not feel the risk is worth it. Sometimes, a rough pregnancy is enough to deter wanting more kids. Lamson, who had her first child at 31 and second at 36, felt a huge difference in those five years. At 31, she said it was easy to stay very active and exercise four times a week. The second time was more challenging. "I had really low energy throughout my entire pregnancy," she said. "I struggled with a lot of pain, so even when I would try to just get out and walk, I could only kind of do so for a period of time before I didn't feel all that well." "I attribute it a lot to age," she said, adding that she ended up going to physical therapy to alleviate some symptoms. With more choice, parents choose fewer kids After World War II, it was normal to get married at 19 and have kids in rapid succession, Smock said. But with more choices, millennials realized "they don't have to follow the path that their parents and grandparents took," she said. In recent years, there's been an increased online interest in "trad wives" and the merits of large families. However, it hasn't shown much of a dent in what most people want, Julia A. Behrman, an associate professor of sociology at Northwestern University who researches how values shape a person's ideal family size, told BI. "We are pretty consistently seeing these average ideal family sizes of about 2.5," Behrman said. Most actually plan to have fewer: roughly 1.8 on average among people in their 20s and 30s. In Behrman's research, she's found that people with more progressive views on gender norms and household labor tend to want fewer kids — often because they are aware of how childrearing disproportionately falls on mothers. Even if parents want two or more kids, Behrman's research found that it doesn't mean it's their top priority. Other aspects of family life, like financial stability, rank higher. For the parents who can technically swing three kids, it could mean a notable decline in their quality of life. Fornaro, who grew up as one of eight children and felt neglected because her dad and stepmom struggled to raise them all, doesn't want her kids to experience the same. She said having a third wouldn't just impact how much she could contribute to her kids' college tuition or inheritances. It would also change how much time she gets to spend with them. "We are a pretty active family," she said. Traveling and going on their boat would be harder with an infant. Taking her son to his extracurriculars — jujitsu, baseball, and football — would also be much harder with a newborn. And with Fornaro's daughter in college, caring for a baby would make it difficult for Fornaro to visit her. Lamson even felt a big difference in what she could do after having a second kid. She and her husband took their son to Europe when he was 10 months old because he had an easygoing demeanor. "My daughter doesn't have the same personality; she's a little bit more challenging," Lamson said. They've opted for more staycations and plan to travel more when their daughter is older. Having a third child would be financially "really limiting" for vacations, not to mention the logistics of wrangling three kids onto a flight. It's not that millennial parents don't love parenting or a house full of kids. Fornaro fell in love with being a mom after her first child. Lamson wanted a third. They just wanted to give more to their existing family. "I wanted my kids to have my undivided attention," Fornaro said. "I felt like that was one thing that I didn't get out of my parents." Read the original article on Business Insider Solve the daily Crossword
