JetBlue Airways is facing a class-action lawsuit in New York, accused of engaging in what plaintiffs describe as 'surveillance pricing' by collecting consumer data without consent to charge higher ticket prices. The legal action, filed by Andrew Phillips, alleges that the airline tracks customers' search history and location to manipulate flight costs, such as increasing prices after a customer has viewed the website.
Evidence and Allegations
A key piece of evidence cited in the lawsuit is an exchange on X (formerly Twitter) where a JetBlue representative advised a customer to clear their cache and cookies to potentially lower a ticket price. This interaction has been highlighted as proof of the airline's data-driven pricing strategy.
JetBlue's Response
JetBlue denies these claims, stating that fares are determined by demand and seat availability. The airline described the social media reply as a 'mistake' made by an individual crew member, asserting that it does not reflect company policy.
Political Scrutiny
Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Greg Casar and Senator Ruben Gallego, have sent a letter to JetBlue's CEO, questioning the airline's pricing methods following the social media incident. The lawmakers expressed concerns over potential privacy violations and unfair pricing practices.
