American Airlines opts to erect protective measures against Argentina’s weak economy

American Airlines is taking steps to protect itself against economic volatility in Argentina as it braces to face continuing headwinds from Venezuela's weakened economy and funds it has trapped in that country.

Argentina is in high profile dispute over the country's debt obligations, a factor which has understandably generated concerns about future economic performace. Although airlines do not have millions of dollars frozen in Argentina, American has opted to limit the sales window for travel to the country, which has angered the Argentinian government.

American could be taking steps to protect itself from the differential in black market rates in the value of the ARS to the official exchange rate, which created some of the revenue pressure the airline now faces from the service reductions to Venezuela.