New AOL site takes aim at direct bookings
America Online launched a new test travel Web site aimed at consumers who want to bypass online travel agencies to book directly with airlines and hotels.
Said Jeffrey DeKorte, general manager of travel at the Time Warner Inc. online unit:
“Some shoppers are loyal to an agency brand, but we believe the vast majority would rather book through a supplier and miss the middle-man fees.”
The comparison shopping site, www.PinpointTravel.com, helps online travel shoppers who may otherwise visit three or four sites before buying, according to Mr DeKorte.
Kayak Software, a company AOL invested in last November, powers the site.
The move was termed a “huge vote of confidence,” said Dana Galin, a vice president of Kayak.com, quoted in intervietnews.com.
The AOL site contains advertising and collects a fee of 50 cents to $1 for each click to a supplier’s Web site. Airlines are so far not paying fees.
PinpointTravel.com will be marketed as a stand-alone entity easily accessed by Web surfers who are not AOL members, according to the company.
American Online officials did not say how long a “test” version would be offered.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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