i read the article and it didn't seem to state. how will they target me? using the personal info I'm required to give them to book my flight? the origin and destinations and seat location? these are entirely different kinds of metrics. one is far more invasive. and is it tying into larger models they've purchased from like google or something? this is stupid and i hate it.
I think you're spot on. In addition to needing to hand over your passport or state ID, your credit card, your email and phone number, what else would they need to target you?
Imagine if you're using your airline branded credit card to get free miles or a seat upgrade and they know all your purchase history.
Does united use the same in flight entertainment system as Delta? If united does they are probably tracking you using the facial detection camera on the seats.