The Connection Between Expedia and Orbitz
Many travelers often wonder if Expedia and Orbitz, two popular online travel agencies, are owned by the same company. The answer to this question is yes, Expedia and Orbitz are indeed owned by the same parent company. Expedia Group, a global travel technology company, owns both Expedia and Orbitz, along with several other well-known travel brands.
A Brief History of Expedia
Expedia was founded in 1996 as a division of Microsoft. It quickly grew to become one of the leading online travel agencies, offering a wide range of travel services such as flight bookings, hotel reservations, car rentals, and vacation packages. Expedia became a publicly traded company in 1999 and continued to expand its operations and acquire other travel brands.
The Rise of Orbitz
Orbitz, on the other hand, was launched in 2001 as a joint venture between several major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Continental Airlines. The goal was to create an online travel agency that would offer competitive prices and a seamless booking experience for travelers.
Expedia’s Acquisition of Orbitz
In 2015, Expedia Group acquired Orbitz Worldwide, which included Orbitz.com, CheapTickets.com, and ebookers.com, among others. This acquisition helped Expedia Group further strengthen its position in the online travel industry and expand its portfolio of brands.
Benefits for Travelers
The fact that Expedia and Orbitz are owned by the same company can bring several benefits for travelers. First and foremost, it allows travelers to compare prices and options between the two websites, as well as other brands within the Expedia Group portfolio. This can help them find the best deals and make informed decisions when booking their travel arrangements.
Competition and Market Share
While Expedia and Orbitz are owned by the same company, they still operate as separate entities and compete with each other in the online travel market. This healthy competition benefits travelers, as it encourages both brands to offer competitive prices, promotions, and superior customer service.
Other Brands Under Expedia Group
Expedia Group owns several other well-known travel brands in addition to Expedia and Orbitz. Some of these brands include Hotels.com, Travelocity, Hotwire, trivago, and HomeAway. Each brand has its own unique offerings and target audience, providing travelers with a wide range of options when planning their trips.
The Future of Expedia and Orbitz
As the travel industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Expedia and Orbitz adapt and innovate to meet the changing needs and preferences of travelers. With the backing of Expedia Group and their combined expertise, both brands are well-positioned to continue providing valuable services and experiences to travelers around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Expedia and Orbitz are owned by the same company, Expedia Group. This connection allows travelers to benefit from the strengths and offerings of both brands, as well as other brands within the Expedia Group portfolio. Whether you choose to book through Expedia or Orbitz, you can be assured of finding competitive prices, a wide range of travel options, and excellent customer service.
