Your support helps us to tell the story Read more Support Now From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more
JetBlue faces a proposed class-action lawsuit, alleging it uses customers' personal data to set ticket prices. This legal challenge emerged after a social media post and the airline's response sparked concerns of "surveillance pricing," making flights more expensive.
In a complaint filed late Wednesday in Brooklyn federal court, JetBlue is accused of concealing its use of "trackers" to set prices dynamically, and shares data with third parties whose programs help it decide when to raise fares.
"Consumers should not have to have their privacy rights violated to participate in [JetBlue's] digital rat race for airline tickets which should cost the same for each similarly seated passenger," the plaintiff, Andrew Phillips, said in the complaint.
The lawsuit followed an April 18 exchange on X where a passenger praised JetBlue but said "a $230 increase on a ticket after one day is crazy. I'm just trying to make it to a funeral."
JetBlue's response said the passenger should try "clearing your cache and cookies or booking with an incognito window. We're sorry for your loss."
JetBlue declined to comment on the lawsuit on Thursday ( Reuters )
JetBlue declined to comment on the lawsuit on Thursday. It also said it does not use personal data or artificial intelligence to set ticket prices.
Surveillance pricing lets companies use browsing histories, locations and other personal data to set individual prices.
The Long Island City, New York-based carrier said on Monday its response was incorrect, while adding that "fares can change at any moment as seats are purchased or as inventory is adjusted based on demand."
On Tuesday, two Democratic lawmakers in Congress asked JetBlue to respond to detailed questions about pricing, including whether it uses personal data "to inform prices."
In November, two dozen congressional lawmakers asked Delta Air Lines DAL.N to address whether it used or plans to use generative AI in setting prices. Delta said no.
Phillips' lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for JetBlue's alleged violations of a federal anti-wiretapping law and New York state consumer protection laws.