MasterCard and American Airlines Make Travel More Enjoyable This Holiday Season

PURCHASE, N.Y., Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- MasterCard International, in conjunction with American Airlines, today announced that between December 17 and December 23, 2005, it will give away a "snack and a movie" to all Economy Class passengers on select transcontinental flights.

In the holiday spirit, the complimentary snack box and headsets (to enjoy on-board entertainment) will be provided to more than 85,000 travelers on nearly 600 American Flagship Service flights to and from Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York (JFK), Miami, Newark, Washington D.C.(Dulles), Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.

"MasterCard and American Airlines understand what matters most to people during the holidays is being with their loved ones," said Elizabeth Ward, Segment Leader, Global Travel & Entertainment, MasterCard International. "Many people have to travel to make that possible, which can be very hectic, and we want to make it simple and more enjoyable."

According to a recent CNN Money report, an estimated 37 million Americans will take to the sky this holiday season resulting in full airports and full flights. MasterCard hopes to spread some holiday cheer to American Airlines passengers this holiday season by taking care of their in-flight food and entertainment.

"The MasterCard sponsorship of a snack and movie will make many of our passengers' travel experiences more pleasant as they head home or to their holiday destinations," said Roger Frizzell, Vice President-Corporate Communication and Advertising for American Airlines. "It is fantastic to have our partners take an interest in making our travelers' trips more pleasurable during this time of year."

The meal will include American Airlines' Food on Board snack boxes: -- The morning snack box includes a Honey Maid(TM) Soft Baked Snack Bar, Mamma Says(TM) Biscotti, Sun Maid Yogurt Raisins(R), Jacob's Crackers(TM) and Le Petit Fromage. -- The afternoon snack box contains Pepperidge Farm(R) Goldfish(R), O'Brien's(R) Turkey Sausage, Ocean Spray(R) Craisins(R), Oreos(R), Jacob's Crackers(TM) and Le Petit Fromage.

The movie and snack sponsorship will be supported by a brochure that will be distributed to all First, Business and Economy Class passengers. The hand out will include engaging activities, games and puzzles to help children and families pass the time while in flight.

About American Airlines

American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and AmericanConnection(R) serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 3,900 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld(SM) Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve more than 600 destinations in over 135 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc.

About MasterCard International

MasterCard International is a leading global payments solutions company that provides a broad variety of innovative services in support of our global members' credit, deposit access, electronic cash, business-to-business and related payment programs. MasterCard manages a family of well-known, widely accepted payment card brands including MasterCard(R), Maestro(R) and Cirrus(R) and serves financial institutions, consumers and businesses in over 210 countries and territories. The MasterCard award-winning Priceless(R) advertising campaign is now seen in 105 countries and in 48 languages, giving the MasterCard brand a truly global reach and scope. For more information go to http://www.mastercardinternational.com.

Contact: Barbara Coleman, MasterCard International, 914-249-6607, barbara_coleman@mastercard.com Paul Brovak, Alan Taylor Communications, 212-714-1280, paul@alantaylor.com Mary Sanderson, American Airlines Corporate Communications, 817-967-1577, corp.comm@aa.com