JetBlue ($JBLU) was sued in a proposed class action accusing the airline of using customers’ personal data to help set ticket prices, after a viral social media response sparked concerns about “surveillance pricing.” JetBlue said it does not use personal data or artificial intelligence to set fares.
- The complaint was filed in federal court in Brooklyn and seeks unspecified damages.
- Plaintiff Andrew Phillips alleges JetBlue uses digital trackers and shares data with third parties to influence fare increases.
- The lawsuit followed an April 18 exchange in which JetBlue suggested a customer try clearing cache and cookies or using an incognito window after a $230 fare increase.
- JetBlue later said that response was incorrect and that fares change based on demand and seat inventory.
- The suit alleges violations of a federal anti-wiretapping law and New York consumer protection laws.
- Two Democratic lawmakers also asked JetBlue to answer questions about whether personal data informs pricing.
Relevant Companies
- JetBlue ($JBLU) – Faces litigation and congressional scrutiny over how it sets ticket prices.
- Delta Air Lines ($DAL) – Has also faced congressional questions over whether AI or personal data could be used in airfare pricing.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.
