US Airways in the credit card business?

On a recent trip, I observed a somewhat troubling phenomenon. People wearing shirts emblazoned with the US Air and Mastercard logos were approaching people on their way to their gates asking: “US Air?” The rep then pulls the bait and switch by putting on the hard sell and encouraging the traveler to apply for a credit card. “DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY, IT’S GOING FAST!” By initially utilizing the airline name, the US Air reps trick people into believing that they are being pulled aside with important flight information before they realize it’s all part of a sales pitch. The pitch was far from passive with many reps practically corralling unsuspecting travelers back to a table so they could pressure them to fill out an application. While there is nothing inherently wrong with soliciting credit card applications, the whole show just didn’t pass the smell test. Even the flight attendants got in on the action as they served up more Mastercard applications along with everyone’s alloted half a can of pop. Hey US Air, a word to the wise, hold the credit card applications pending reinstatement of complimentary peanuts.

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