On November 5, 2025, a group of 24 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian asking the airline to explain whether it uses generative artificial intelligence to set ticket prices. The inquiry is part of a broader congressional review of AI applications in the airline industry and signals heightened scrutiny of Delta’s data practices and pricing methodology.
Delta has been working with AI‑based pricing firm Fetcherr to develop a “super analyst” tool that can make pricing decisions at machine speed. The company plans to deploy the technology to roughly 20 % of its domestic network by the end of 2025. Delta’s stated business reasons for the initiative are revenue optimization and improved customer experience; the airline emphasizes that the system is intended to assist analysts and reduce manual processes, not to set individualized fares based on personal data.
The letter notes that Delta’s previous responses were deemed insufficient. In its reply, Delta reiterated that it does not use personal data for pricing and that all customers see the same fares. The inquiry comes amid statements from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that the Department of Transportation will investigate airlines that use AI to determine individual ticket prices, and it follows recent legislative proposals from some lawmakers to ban AI‑driven individualized pricing. The safeguards Delta claims to have in place—namely, the exclusion of personal data from pricing models—are now under closer examination.
Delta’s financial performance provides context for the inquiry. In Q3 2023 the airline reported operating revenue of $15.5 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $2.03. Q3 2024 revenue rose to $15.7 billion with adjusted EPS of $1.50. In Q4 2023 operating revenue was $14.2 billion and adjusted EPS $1.28, while Q4 2024 revenue reached $15.6 billion and GAAP EPS $1.29. CEO Ed Bastian has previously said that 2025 could be Delta’s best financial year, underscoring the company’s confidence in its growth trajectory.
The congressional inquiry could prompt regulatory review or new compliance requirements that would affect Delta’s pricing strategy and its ability to deploy AI tools without violating antitrust or consumer‑protection rules. Investors will monitor how the airline responds and whether it adjusts its AI initiatives in light of the questions raised. The inquiry also highlights the broader industry debate over the use of AI for pricing and the potential for surveillance‑based price discrimination.
Delta’s next steps will likely involve a detailed explanation of its AI safeguards, a review of its pricing methodology, and engagement with regulators to demonstrate compliance with existing antitrust and consumer‑protection frameworks. The outcome of the inquiry will shape not only Delta’s future use of AI but also the regulatory landscape for AI‑driven pricing across the airline industry.
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