Cookie Policy

1. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help us remember things like your login session, preferences, and the trips you've viewed. We also use similar technologies — local storage, pixels, and SDK identifiers in our mobile apps — that work the same way.

2. Cookies we use

Essential cookies (always on)

These are required for the platform to function. You can't opt out — without them, you can't sign in or pay.

• ft_session — keeps you signed in. Expires after 30 days of inactivity.
• ft_csrf — prevents cross-site request forgery attacks. Session-only.
• ft_locale — remembers your language and currency. 1 year.
• ft_consent — remembers your cookie preferences. 1 year.

Functional cookies (default on, can opt out)

• ft_recent_trips — last 10 trips you viewed, for quick access. 30 days.
• ft_search_filters — your last filter selections (city, budget). 7 days.
• ft_notif_pref — notification frequency preferences. 1 year.

Analytics cookies (opt-in)

Used to understand how the platform is used so we can improve it. All data is aggregated and anonymized.

• Plausible Analytics — page views, referrers, popular trips. No personal data.
• ft_ab_test — assigns you to A/B test variants. 30 days.

Marketing cookies (opt-in)

Off by default. Only enabled if you explicitly accept marketing cookies. Used to:

• Show relevant trip ads on Instagram, Facebook, Google.
• Measure how well our marketing campaigns work.
• Personalize the trips we recommend in promotional emails.

Partners that may set these cookies: Meta Pixel, Google Ads, LinkedIn Insight Tag.

3. How to manage cookies

You can control cookies in three ways:

1. In Fellow Traveler: Go to Profile → Settings → Privacy → Cookie Preferences to toggle each category.
2. In your browser: Most browsers let you block all cookies, block third-party only, or clear them. Note: blocking essential cookies will break sign-in and payments.
3. Do Not Track: If your browser sends a Do Not Track signal, we automatically disable analytics and marketing cookies for your session.

4. Mobile apps

Our iOS and Android apps don't use traditional cookies but use similar technologies — local storage, advertising identifiers (IDFA, AAID), and SDK fingerprints. You can reset these via your device settings:

• iOS: Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking → Allow apps to request to track
• Android: Settings → Privacy → Ads → Reset advertising ID

5. Third-party cookies

Some pages embed third-party content that may set cookies independently of Fellow Traveler:

• YouTube (when we embed a video).
• Razorpay (during checkout for fraud prevention).
• WhatsApp Click-to-Chat button (loads only if you click).
• Google Maps (on trip detail pages with embedded maps).

These are governed by each partner's own privacy policy.

6. Updates to this policy

We may update this policy as we add features or change partners. Material changes will be announced via email and an in-app banner. The "Last updated" date at the top reflects the most recent revision.

7. Contact

Questions about cookies or how we handle data? Email privacy@fellowtraveler.app or visit our Privacy Policy.