Federal officials want to know how airlines handle — and share — passengers' personal information

A passenger waits for a Delta Airlines flight at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta on Feb. 18, 2021. The U.S. Department of Transportation said Thursday, March 21, 2024, that it will review how airlines protect personal information about their passengers and whether they are making money by sharing that information with other parties. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Federal officials said Thursday they will review how airlines protect personal information about their passengers and whether they are making money by sharing that information with other parties.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said its review will focus on the 10 biggest U.S. airlines and cover their collection, handling and use of information about customers.

“Airline passengers should have confidence that their personal information is not being shared improperly with third parties or mishandled by employees,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.