Airlines have your personal data, and they are using it

AIRLINES are really good at some things – like people movement and aircraft maintenance. They’re also experts at collecting vast mountains of customer data, including what sort of credit cards and computers you use, how often you fly, and where and how much you spend on all the extras.

If you’re stressing over a tight connection, flight attendants can usually tell you which gate to run to and how much time you have. They may also know if you were delayed for six hours last week, and offer a personal apology. They can even tap their data hoard to upgrade someone on standby who got stuck in economy because she or he usually flies first class.