Airlines Face Crack Down on Use of 'Exploitative' Algorithm That Splits Up Families on Flights (independent.co.uk)

Algorithms used by airlines to split up those travelling together unless they pay more to sit next to each other have been called "exploitative" by a government minister. From a report: Speaking to a parliamentary communications committee, Digital Minister Margot James described the software as "a very cynical, exploitative means... to hoodwink the general public." She added: "Some airlines have set an algorithm to identify passengers of the same surname travelling together. They've had the temerity to split the passengers up, and when the family want to travel together they are charged more." It's an issue that will be looked at by the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation, launched by the government this week to identify and address areas where clearer guidelines and regulation are needed in how data is used. Passengers first started noticing they were being split up from their party if they didn't pay more for allocated seating in June 2017, with Ryanair most commonly associated with the practice.

Comments

Re:Southwest cattle call

[PPH]

The first flight I ever took as a kid was when I was 6 years old. Back during Eisenhower's presidency. Years later my parents told me that when they purchased my ticket, the airline asked if I was well behaved. They reserved the right to refuse to carry small children due to the 'discomfort' that they might cause other passengers. I was OK and got to spend 10 minutes in the cockpit during the flight.

[Sigh] Those were the good old days.