Airline data push unfare: Schumer

SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER is calling for a federal investigation into airlines mining personal data in order to charge higher fares to certain customers.

Schumer (D-N.Y.), the Senate minority leader, warned of “dynamic pricing” software airlines are developing that could track the websites a potential flier visited and figure out details — including income and recent purchases — to decide how much to charge for a flight.

“This is ‘Big Brother’ meets ‘Big Business’ and it is a frightening combo for already-price badgered airline travelers,” said Schumer, the Senate minority leader.

Schumer wrote the Federal Trade Commission asking for a probe into how airlines are implementing dynamic pricing.