A proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed against JetBlue Airways, alleging the airline uses customers' personal data to set ticket prices. The complaint, filed on Wednesday in Brooklyn federal court, claims JetBlue employs 'trackers' to dynamically adjust fares and shares data with third parties to determine when to raise prices.
The lawsuit follows an exchange on social media platform X in April, where a passenger complained about a $230 price increase on a ticket within a day. JetBlue's response suggested the customer 'clear your cache and cookies or book with an incognito window.' The airline later said that response was incorrect, but noted that fares can change as seats are purchased or inventory is adjusted based on demand.
Plaintiff Andrew Phillips argues that consumers should not have their privacy violated to participate in a 'digital rat race for airline tickets which should cost the same for each similarly seated passenger.' The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for alleged violations of a federal anti-wiretapping law and New York state consumer protection laws.
JetBlue declined to comment on the lawsuit, but stated it does not use personal data or artificial intelligence to set ticket prices. The case has also drawn attention from lawmakers; two Democratic members of Congress have asked JetBlue to answer detailed questions about its pricing practices.
