American Airlines's Federal Lobbying Record
At $10.5M in disclosed federal lobbying, American Airlines ranks as a major spender — well above the typical filer. Outlays in this range generally reflect a sustained presence in Washington, with at least one full-time government affairs lead and a stable of outside lobbyists engaged on the organization's priority issues.
Across the 5-year window from 2020 to 2024, American Airlines's annual disclosed lobbying spend has declined modestly — from $2.6M in 2020 to $1.8M in 2024, a change of -31%. Step-changes of this size often coincide with major bills moving through Congress, regulatory rulemakings affecting the organization's industry, or a leadership change in the relevant committee.
American Airlines's disclosed lobbying covers 5 general issue areas — a moderate footprint. Filers in this range tend to engage on a coherent cluster of related topics rather than spreading effort across the federal agenda.
3 of 7 lobbyists reported by American Airlines (43%) disclose prior federal government service. That share is common at established government affairs operations that explicitly hire from agency and committee staff.
Among the named bench, lobbyists with disclosed prior federal service include Karen M. Smith (Former Deputy Director, OMB); Jonathan B. Slade (Former Deputy Assistant Secretary, HHS); Kimberly H. Campbell (Former Staff Director, House Appropriations Committee). The covered-position field on LDA cover sheets captures executive-branch and senior congressional roles held within the prior two years.
Within the Transportation sector, American Airlines ranks #5 of 17 tracked organizations by disclosed lobbying spend. The sector leader is FedEx Corporation at $34.8M; the sector average is $9.3M. American Airlines's $10.5M sits 13% above the sector average.
American Airlines's LobbySpend Influence Score of 61/100 (grade B) reflects significant federal lobbying reach. The score blends disclosed total spend, issue breadth, and revolving-door connections — lobbyists with prior federal government service. A B-grade typically means the organization is well above average on at least two of those three signals, with sustained activity over multiple years rather than a one-off spike.
Every figure above is sourced from Senate lobbying disclosure filings submitted under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. Per-issue dollar splits and covered-position flags are filer-reported and may be amended after initial submission.
Track American Airlines's lobbying filings
Subscribe for LobbySpend updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Annual Lobbying Spend
Policy Issues
Government Entities Contacted
Recent Filings
| Period | Registrant | Issues | Lobbyists | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Oct-Dec | Arnold & Porter | AVITRATAX+1 | 4 | $516K |
| 2024 Jul-Sep | Covington & Burling | TRATAX | 2 | $489K |
| 2024 Apr-Jun | Holland & Knight | LBRTRAGOV+2 | 4 | $367K |
| 2024 Jan-Mar | S-3 Group | TRAAVITAX | 2 | $476K |
| 2023 Oct-Dec | DLA Piper | TAXAVILBR+1 | 3 | $532K |
| 2023 Jul-Sep | BGR Group | TAXTRALBR+2 | 3 | $469K |
| 2023 Apr-Jun | BGR Group | AVILBRTRA | 4 | $376K |
| 2023 Jan-Mar | Subject Matter | TAXTRAAVI+1 | 1 | $496K |
American Airlines Lobbying FAQ
American Airlines has spent $10.5M on federal lobbying across 5 policy areas. This includes spending on registered lobbyists and direct government contacts.
American Airlines lobbies on 5 policy issues, including Aviation/Airlines, Transportation, Taxation, Labor/Workplace. These disclosures are filed quarterly with the Senate Office of Public Records.
American Airlines has an Influence Score of 61/100 (Grade B). This proprietary score is based on total lobby spend (40%), policy issue breadth (30%), and revolving door connections (30%).
American Airlines employs 7 registered lobbyists, of whom 3 have revolving door connections, meaning they previously held government positions before becoming lobbyists.
American Airlines has contacted 6 government entities as part of their lobbying activities, including Dept of Justice, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Dept of Agriculture.
Explore Other Lobbying Organizations
$387.8M lobbying spend · Trade Association · Influence Score B
$348.2M lobbying spend · Real Estate · Influence Score B
$135.8M lobbying spend · Pharmaceutical & Health Products · Influence Score B
$128.0M lobbying spend · Healthcare · Influence Score B
Lobbying data is sourced from quarterly Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings with the Senate Office of Public Records. Influence Scores combine total spend (40%), issue breadth (30%), and revolving door connections (30%). Filings may be amended after initial submission.