**Excerpt**: A lawsuit against JetBlue alleges the airline used customers’ personal data to manipulate ticket prices based on individual browsing habits and demographics.
Key Points:
– A proposed class action lawsuit has been filed against JetBlue by New York resident Andrew Phillips.
– The lawsuit claims JetBlue tracked users’ personal data without consent to set variable ticket prices.
– The airline denied the allegations, stating it does not use personal information for pricing.
– The lawsuit highlights concerns over “surveillance pricing,” where prices change based on personal data.
– Phillips seeks damages for violations of federal and state privacy laws.
Allegations Against JetBlue
A new lawsuit has been filed against JetBlue Airways, alleging the company used customers’ personal data to set ticket prices. Andrew Phillips, a New York resident, claims that JetBlue tracked his information while he booked airfare on their website, allowing the airline to adjust prices based on individual browsing behavior.
Privacy Concerns
The lawsuit argues that such practices violate consumer privacy rights. It states that prices can vary for similarly seated passengers based on personal factors that customers did not consent to share. The complaint points out that consumers should not have to compromise their privacy to participate in purchasing airline tickets.
JetBlue’s Response
In response to the allegations, JetBlue stated, “JetBlue does not use personal information or web browsing history to set individual pricing.” The airline emphasized that fares are determined by demand and availability, and that all customers have equal access to pricing on their website and mobile app.
Tracking Technology
The complaint details how JetBlue’s website allegedly employs technology that monitors user behavior, suggesting that prices can increase when a customer revisits the site after initially closing their browser.
Surveillance Pricing Explained
The lawsuit raises the issue of “surveillance pricing,” where companies use personal information, such as browsing history and location, to charge different prices for the same service. This practice has gained attention as more airlines begin to use artificial intelligence for fare setting. A social media interaction cited in the lawsuit suggests that JetBlue may have inadvertently acknowledged this practice.
Legal Action
Phillips seeks damages under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and two New York consumer protection laws for the alleged misuse of personal data. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding consumer privacy in the digital age, particularly within the airline industry.
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