Yes, airlines use artificial intelligence (AI) and personal data analytics to adjust flight prices for individuals, a practice known as surveillance pricing or dynamic pricing. This data can include browsing history, previous booking history, social media activity, location, and even financial indicators to predict how much a traveler is willing to pay, potentially leading to different prices for the same flight based on individual habits and needs. While some search history myths have been debunked, your online behavior, IP location, and personal data are increasingly used to personalize fares.
How it works
How it works
- Data Collection:AI systems gather vast amounts of data from various sources to build profiles of travelers.
- Personalized Pricing:Based on these profiles, airlines can set individualized prices, meaning two people searching for the same flight at the same time could see very different costs.
- Predictive Analytics:The AI analyzes patterns and predicts how much a specific customer is willing to pay for a flight, rather than relying solely on traditional supply and demand.
- Login Status:Your login status and user account data can be used to tailor prices.
- Browsing History:Your past searches for routes and flights can influence pricing.
- Social Media Activity:Information about your social media behavior is also a potential data point for surveillance pricing.
- IP Location:Your IP address can be used to adjust fares based on your geographical location.
- Financial Status:Airlines may infer information about your financial status to set prices, although this practice is controversial.
- Purchase History:Records of your previous purchases and booking patterns are analyzed.
- Increased Costs:This practice can result in higher prices for individuals, especially if they have an urgent need to travel.
- Discrimination:There are concerns that surveillance pricing could violate anti-discrimination laws by penalizing lower-income travelers.
- Lack of Transparency:The models used are often proprietary, making it difficult to understand how prices are set and whether they are fair.
- Use a VPN:A virtual private network (VPN) can mask your identity and location, potentially leading to more neutral prices, according toForbes.
- Clear Cookies and Use Incognito Mode:While the search history myth has been challenged, clearing cookies and using private browsing modes can still be helpful.
- Compare Prices:Always check multiple booking sites and apps to ensure you're seeing the best available deals.
- Book in Advance
lanning ahead can help you secure lower fares, as this is still a reliable method.
