Delta, United & JetBlue Face Federal Probe Over Using Passenger Data To Personalize Fares

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has ordered Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and JetBlue to explain how they set ticket prices, as part of an investigation into whether personal data is used to charge “personalized fares.” The carriers have 45 days to respond, including whether customer information influences base fares and also how discounts, promotions, paid upgrades and targeted sales are calculated. The FTC says it wants to scrutinize opaque pricing methods under Section 6(b) of the FTC Act. Delta has denied misuse of personal data in its partnership with Fetcherr, and JetBlue previously suggested customers clear cookies after a fare spike.