10:20 AM EDT, 03/21/2024 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates to add responses in the last three paragraphs.)

Delta Airlines (DAL), Southwest Airlines ( LUV ) , and United Airlines Holdings ( UAL ) are among 10 US airlines currently undergoing a privacy review initiated by the US Department of Transportation to assess their handling of passengers' personal information and ensure compliance with privacy laws.

The department said Thursday that the review, initiated by Secretary Pete Buttigieg, aims to evaluate airlines' policies and practices regarding the collection, maintenance and use of passenger information, with a focus on preventing improper monetization or sharing of data.

"This review of airline practices is the beginning of a new initiative by DOT to ensure airlines are being good stewards of sensitive passenger data," Secretary Buttigieg said in a statement.

In addition to Delta, Southwest ( LUV ) and United, other airlines currently being reviewed are Allegiant Travel ( ALGT ) , Alaska Air Group ( ALK ) , American Airlines Group ( AAL ) , Frontier Group Holdings ( ULCC ) , Hawaiian Holdings ( HA ) , JetBlue Airways ( JBLU ) , and Spirit Airlines ( SAVE ) .

The DOT said it sent letters to the airlines requesting information in three key areas: their policies on collecting and handling passenger data, handling of complaints regarding mishandled personal information, and details about privacy training.

As part of this effort, DOT will investigate complaints and take enforcement action where necessary, the transportation regulator added.

In response to a request for comment, American Airlines ( AAL ) referred MT Newswires to Airlines for America, the trade organization representing principal US aircraft operators.

"U.S. airlines take customers' personal information security very seriously, which is why they have robust policies, programs and cybersecurity infrastructure to protect consumers' privacy," an Airlines for America spokesperson told MT Newswires. "We look forward to demonstrating the successes of the industry to DOT," they added.

None of the other mentioned airlines immediately responded to MT Newswires' requests for comment.

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