JetBlue Sued Over Alleged Surveillance Pricing After Viral Social Media Exchange

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.