JetBlue denies using personal data after social post sparks surveillance pricing concerns

A JetBlue social media reply told a grieving customer to clear cookies after they reported a $230 fare increase; the airline apologized, deleted the reply, and said fares are set by real-time availability rather than cached personal data.

A social media post showed a traveler saying a JetBlue ticket rose by $230 while they were trying to attend a funeral. JetBlue's official reply advised clearing cache and cookies; the airline later deleted that reply and apologized. The company said the response was incorrect and stated fares on its website and app are not determined by cached data or other personal information. JetBlue explained that fares reflect real-time availability and can change as seats are purchased. Key details: - A traveler posted that a ticket price increased by $230 after booking for a funeral, and the post was shared on X. - JetBlue's social account suggested clearing cache and cookies; the airline later removed the reply and apologized. - JetBlue said fares on JetBlue.com and its app are driven by real-time availability, not cached data or personal information. - Sen. Ruben Gallego criticized the exchange and urged passing a bill to ban surveillance pricing; proposals to limit such practices have gained traction in some states. Summary: The episode prompted public concern about so-called surveillance pricing, and JetBlue denies using personal data to set fares, saying price changes reflect inventory and demand. Undetermined at this time.