Flying or cruising? They’re watching you.

March 13, 2025

By Kim Komando

You might not realize it, but airlines and cruise lines collect a lot of data, from your seat choice to the websites you browse on their Wi-Fi. 

When you book a flight or cruise, they collect the usual stuff, including your name, email, phone number, passport info and payment details. But it doesn’t stop there. They also track:

• Your travel habits: Where you go, how often, your seat selection, how many bags you bring and the weight, how likely you are to buy the upsells, and what perks you like (or don’t).
• Your onboard Wi-Fi activity: What sites you visit, how long you stay on those sites and the apps you use.
• Facial recognition: Some airlines and cruise ports scan your face for check-in and boarding. Your facial scan can also be cross-referenced with government databases and that tracking, too.

And they also know:

• What you eat and drink: Yes, all that is saved, and they even track how many minutes it takes for your drink to be empty so they can offer a refill (or sell you another cocktail).
• If you’ve complained before: Flight attendants and cruise staff can see your complete whining history before you even say a word.
• What you watch and shop for: Whether it’s a seatback screen or your in-room TV, they log what you browse, watch and buy.

😳 Your airline or cruise app is tracking you, too

If you downloaded the airline or cruise line’s app, you’ve handed over even more data, including your device info, operating system and cellular carrier. They also track:

• Your location: Even when you’re not flying or sailing, they may collect GPS data.
• Your browsing history: What you’re searching for inside the app, including trips you didn’t book.
• Your fitness data: Cruise lines will log workouts, spa treatments and even step counts.

🔒 How to lock down your travel data

It’s a safe bet that airlines and cruise companies are selling all your data. If this bothers you, there are steps you can take. 

• Ask them to delete your data: If you’re in California, Colorado, Connecticut or Virginia, privacy laws work in your favor. Otherwise, call customer service and ask them what you need to do to remove your data. 
• Skip onboard Wi-Fi: Download movies, music and books before your trip. 
• Use your own devices: Avoid seatback screens and in-room entertainment to limit tracking.

🤣 What do you call an airplane that flies backward? A receding airline. Oof, I know.