Looking for answers about the connection between Orbitz and Expedia?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: No, Orbitz and Expedia are not owned by the same company.
In this article, we will explore the relationship between these two popular online travel agencies and clarify any confusion surrounding their ownership.
Overview of Orbitz and Expedia
Orbitz: A Brief Introduction
Orbitz is a popular online travel agency that provides customers with a wide range of travel services, including flight bookings, hotel accommodations, car rentals, and vacation packages. The company was founded in 2001 and quickly gained recognition for its user-friendly interface and competitive pricing options. Over the years, Orbitz has expanded its offerings and now serves millions of customers worldwide.
Expedia: A Brief Introduction
Expedia is another well-known online travel agency that offers a comprehensive platform for travelers to plan and book their trips. Established in 1996, Expedia has become a go-to resource for individuals seeking convenient and affordable travel solutions. With a vast inventory of flights, hotels, rental cars, and activities, Expedia aims to make the travel booking process as seamless as possible for its customers.
Both Orbitz and Expedia have established themselves as leaders in the online travel industry, offering a wide range of services and catering to the needs of different types of travelers. While they operate independently, they do have some similarities in terms of the services they provide and their commitment to customer satisfaction.
History and Founders
Orbitz’s History and Founders
Orbitz is an online travel agency that was founded in 1999. It was created as a joint venture between five major airlines: American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, and United. The goal behind Orbitz was to provide customers with a convenient and efficient way to book flights, hotels, and other travel services.
The founders of Orbitz envisioned a platform that would offer competitive prices and a wide range of options to travelers. They wanted to simplify the process of booking travel and make it more accessible to the general public. With their expertise in the airline industry, the founders of Orbitz were able to create a user-friendly platform that quickly gained popularity.
Today, Orbitz is known for its extensive selection of travel options, including flights, hotels, rental cars, vacation packages, and more. It has become a trusted name in the travel industry, offering customers a seamless booking experience and excellent customer service.
Expedia’s History and Founders
Expedia is another well-known online travel agency that was founded in 1996. The company was originally part of Microsoft, but it was spun off as a separate entity in 1999. Expedia quickly became a leader in the online travel industry, offering customers a wide range of travel options and competitive prices.
The founders of Expedia, Rich Barton and Lloyd Frink, recognized the potential of the internet as a platform for booking travel. They saw an opportunity to revolutionize the way people plan and book their trips, and they set out to create a user-friendly platform that would make travel booking easier and more affordable.
Since its inception, Expedia has grown significantly and now offers a wide range of travel services, including flights, hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals, and more. The company has expanded its reach globally and has become a trusted name in the travel industry.
For more information on the history and founders of Orbitz and Expedia, you can visit their respective websites:
Ownership Structure
When it comes to the travel industry, Orbitz and Expedia are two well-known names. But are they owned by the same company? Let’s take a closer look at the ownership structure of these popular online travel agencies.
Orbitz’s Ownership
Orbitz was founded in 2001 and originally operated as an independent company. However, in 2015, it was acquired by Expedia Group, one of the largest online travel companies in the world. This acquisition brought Orbitz under the same ownership as other well-known brands such as Expedia.com, Hotels.com, and Travelocity.
Under the umbrella of Expedia Group, Orbitz continues to operate as a separate brand, offering a wide range of travel services including flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. Customers can access Orbitz’s services through its website or mobile app, where they can find competitive prices and convenient booking options.
Expedia’s Ownership
Expedia, on the other hand, has a slightly different ownership structure. It was founded in 1996 as a division of Microsoft and later spun off into a separate company in 1999. Since then, it has grown to become one of the leading online travel agencies worldwide.
Expedia operates as a publicly traded company, listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol “EXPE.” This means that the ownership of Expedia is distributed among its shareholders, who can buy and sell the company’s stock on the open market.
While Orbitz is part of the Expedia Group, it’s important to note that Expedia Group also includes other brands such as Expedia.com, Hotels.com, Vrbo, and Hotwire. Each brand operates independently, targeting different segments of the travel market and offering unique features and benefits to customers.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Orbitz’s Partnerships
Orbitz, the popular online travel agency, has established several partnerships to enhance its services and provide a wider range of options for its customers. One of its significant collaborations is with various airlines, allowing users to book flights from multiple carriers through their platform. This partnership enables Orbitz to offer competitive prices and a comprehensive selection of flights to its users.
Furthermore, Orbitz has also partnered with numerous hotel chains around the world, enabling customers to choose from a vast inventory of accommodations. By collaborating with these hotel chains, Orbitz can provide its users with options ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts, catering to a diverse range of travelers.
In addition to airlines and hotels, Orbitz has also formed partnerships with car rental companies, cruise lines, and other travel-related businesses. These collaborations allow Orbitz to offer comprehensive travel packages that include flights, accommodations, and transportation, providing customers with convenience and cost savings.
Expedia’s Partnerships
Expedia, another well-known online travel agency, has also forged various partnerships to enhance its services and provide a seamless travel experience for its users. Similar to Orbitz, Expedia has partnered with airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and cruise lines to offer a wide array of options to its customers.
One notable partnership of Expedia is its collaboration with various global distribution systems (GDS). GDS is a network that connects travel agencies and suppliers, allowing them to access real-time inventory and make bookings. Expedia’s partnership with GDS ensures that its users have access to the latest information and availability of flights, accommodations, and other travel services.
Furthermore, Expedia has also formed strategic partnerships with destination marketing organizations and tourism boards. These collaborations enable Expedia to promote specific destinations and offer exclusive deals to travelers. By partnering with these organizations, Expedia can provide users with unique travel experiences and insider recommendations.
It is worth mentioning that while Orbitz and Expedia are both online travel agencies, they are not owned by the same company. Orbitz is owned by Expedia Group, which is also the parent company of other well-known travel brands like Vrbo, Travelocity, and Hotels.com. However, each brand operates independently and maintains its own partnerships and collaborations.
To learn more about Orbitz’s partnerships, you can visit their official website: https://www.orbitz.com.
To learn more about Expedia’s partnerships, you can visit their official website: https://www.expedia.com.
Competitive Landscape
Comparison of Services and Features
Both Orbitz and Expedia are well-known online travel agencies that offer a wide range of services and features to travelers. They provide a platform where you can search and book flights, hotels, vacation packages, car rentals, and cruises. Both platforms also offer user-friendly interfaces and mobile apps, making it convenient for users to plan and book their trips on the go.
One of the key differences between Orbitz and Expedia is their loyalty programs. Orbitz offers the Orbitz Rewards program, which allows members to earn Orbucks that can be used towards future travel bookings. Expedia, on the other hand, has the Expedia Rewards program, where members can earn points that can be redeemed for hotel stays, flights, and more. It’s worth comparing the benefits and rewards offered by each program to see which one aligns better with your travel needs.
Additionally, both platforms have customer support services to assist travelers with any issues or questions they may have. Orbitz provides customer support via phone, email, and live chat, while Expedia offers phone and email support. It’s important to note that the quality of customer support may vary, so it’s always a good idea to read reviews or reach out to other travelers for their experiences.
Differences in Pricing and Deals
When it comes to pricing and deals, both Orbitz and Expedia strive to offer competitive rates and exclusive discounts to their customers. However, it’s important to note that prices and deals can vary depending on factors such as travel dates, destination, and availability.
One way to compare pricing is by utilizing the search features on both platforms. By entering the same travel details, you can compare the prices offered by Orbitz and Expedia side by side. It’s also worth checking if either platform has any ongoing promotions or exclusive deals for certain destinations or travel periods.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that both Orbitz and Expedia may offer additional savings through package deals. These packages often combine flights, hotels, and other travel services, providing travelers with a more cost-effective option. It’s recommended to explore these package deals to see if they align with your travel plans and budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite their similarities in the online travel industry, Orbitz and Expedia are not owned by the same company.
While both platforms offer a wide range of travel options and services, they operate independently with their own unique ownership structures and partnerships.
Next time you’re planning your trip, you can confidently choose between Orbitz and Expedia, knowing that they are separate entities dedicated to providing travelers with the best possible experience.
