Quantcast

American Airlines CEO criticizes rivals' use of AI in flight pricing

European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
American Airlines CEO criticizes rivals' use of AI in flight pricing
Research
Webp ijcc2j2tn5wlu76kb86mm88dclei
David Slotnick Senior aviation business reporter | The Points Guy

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has criticized competitors for using artificial intelligence in airfare pricing. "I don't think it's appropriate," Isom stated, directing his comments towards Delta Air Lines. Earlier this month, Delta announced its use of AI to price about 3% of its domestic network through a partnership with Fetcherr and aims to increase this to 20% by year-end.

Delta President Glen Hauenstein compared AI usage to a "super-analyst" working on a small portion of its network, which has grown from 1% since last fall. Despite positive feedback from Delta, the move has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers. Three Democratic senators have expressed concern over Delta's AI expansion in a letter to CEO Ed Bastian, requesting more information by early August.

In response, a Delta spokesperson told TPG that various market forces drive dynamic pricing models used globally for decades and new technology streamlines this process. The airline complies with all pricing regulations and does not use fare products targeting customers with individualized offers based on personal information.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

American Airlines is also utilizing AI but not for pricing. Instead, the Fort Worth-based carrier focuses on operational functions to improve customer experience during disruptions. "For our customers, it's going to improve their customer experience," Isom said.

Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines are also employing machine learning and AI in different capacities related to operations and safety planning.

While airlines have long relied on algorithms driven by supply and demand along with human analysts for fare setting, American itself is not immune to criticism regarding clever pricing tactics that sometimes charge solo travelers more than those traveling in groups.

Despite trailing behind Delta and United in profitability recently, including during the second quarter of 2025, American continues exploring ways to enhance customer service through technology without adopting controversial pricing strategies.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025

American Airlines will introduce its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft on December 18, marking the first time a U.S. airline operates this model.

Oct 25, 2025