Airlines join forces in new website
Jul 9, 2001 | 8:22 am
#91
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 46,817
Southwest Blocks Orbitz on Fare Data
Southwest Airlines, the largest low-fare carrier, blocked the Orbitz travel Web site from displaying its fares and flight information by refusing to file the data with an airline-industry clearinghouse.
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/07/bu...rchpv=nytToday
Southwest Airlines said it stopped providing fare and flight information to an industry clearinghouse in an attempt to block travel Web site Orbitz (www.orbitz.com ) from publishing its fares and routes.
http://public.wsj.com/sn/y/SB994446047676376886.html
[This message has been edited by doc (edited 07-09-2001).]
Southwest Airlines, the largest low-fare carrier, blocked the Orbitz travel Web site from displaying its fares and flight information by refusing to file the data with an airline-industry clearinghouse.
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/07/bu...rchpv=nytToday
Southwest Airlines said it stopped providing fare and flight information to an industry clearinghouse in an attempt to block travel Web site Orbitz (www.orbitz.com ) from publishing its fares and routes.
http://public.wsj.com/sn/y/SB994446047676376886.html
[This message has been edited by doc (edited 07-09-2001).]
Jul 9, 2001 | 10:40 am
#92
Join Date: Dec 2000
Posts: 244
Without SWA, they are worse then TVLY or EXPE.
Air is no better and hotels, packages et al are much worse.
Hmmmm... Airlines losing money across the boards, biz travel off and now they can not even launch a competitive web offering.
Surprised?
Air is no better and hotels, packages et al are much worse.
Hmmmm... Airlines losing money across the boards, biz travel off and now they can not even launch a competitive web offering.
Surprised?
Jul 9, 2001 | 12:32 pm
#93
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Posts: 359
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 200 ngts/ 200 legs/year:
Without SWA, they are worse then TVLY or EXPE.
Air is no better and hotels, packages et al are much worse.
Hmmmm... Airlines losing money across the boards, biz travel off and now they can not even launch a competitive web offering.
Surprised?</font>
Without SWA, they are worse then TVLY or EXPE.
Air is no better and hotels, packages et al are much worse.
Hmmmm... Airlines losing money across the boards, biz travel off and now they can not even launch a competitive web offering.
Surprised?
</font>
-You could not book tickets through Orbitz on SW, a disclaimer sent you to the SW site;
-so basically it was free advertising for SW, because there was no commission to Orbitz.
This seems kind of dumb to meBut it is now more of a pain to compare fares!
Jul 9, 2001 | 12:56 pm
#94
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Dallas, TX, USA
Posts: 19
I still think Orbitz has the best layout and the advantage of searching web fares more thouroughly than Expedia or travelocity.
As for SW, they tend to have the cheapest routes when they enter a market and then slowly increase them. Compared to some of the smaller economy airlines and the major airlines on their cheapest routes, they are often no longer the cheapest option. I bet SW did not want that made obvious on a layout such as Orbitz which clearly displays the price options.
As for SW, they tend to have the cheapest routes when they enter a market and then slowly increase them. Compared to some of the smaller economy airlines and the major airlines on their cheapest routes, they are often no longer the cheapest option. I bet SW did not want that made obvious on a layout such as Orbitz which clearly displays the price options.
Jul 10, 2001 | 7:16 pm
#95
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 46,817
Online travel Web site Orbitz LLC has gotten off to a stellar start, logging more new visitors in its first month of operation than any site launched since 1999, according to new research released by Nielsen/Net Ratings.
But whether the Chicago-based company can sustain its high trafficand, more importantly, turn casual visitors into paying customersis still a question, analysts say.
Since its official launch in June, Orbitz spurred by a $75-million marketing blitz that includes kitschy television ads has garnered 1.9 million new visitors, compared with previous Nielsen leader Walmart.com, which gained about 1 million new visitors within the first month of its re-launch.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-b...-07-10&id=2799
But whether the Chicago-based company can sustain its high trafficand, more importantly, turn casual visitors into paying customersis still a question, analysts say.
Since its official launch in June, Orbitz spurred by a $75-million marketing blitz that includes kitschy television ads has garnered 1.9 million new visitors, compared with previous Nielsen leader Walmart.com, which gained about 1 million new visitors within the first month of its re-launch.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-b...-07-10&id=2799
Jul 18, 2001 | 7:53 am
#97
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 46,817
As previously reported, Orbitz enjoyed the biggest e-commerce launch since 1999, but this success brought access problems in its wake
The site had to be taken down on several occasions for upgrades. In addition, an outage caused by a severed fibre optic cable revealed insufficient network redundancy, but improvements have been made. Keynote Systems, a performance measurement company, said that between 3rd July and 9th July, visitors to the site could access it more than 99% of the time, taking between 2.89 seconds and 3.76 seconds. That compares with access times of between 4 seconds and 5.3 seconds in early June.
www.orbitz.com
http://www.eyefortravel.com/index.asp?news=18513
The site had to be taken down on several occasions for upgrades. In addition, an outage caused by a severed fibre optic cable revealed insufficient network redundancy, but improvements have been made. Keynote Systems, a performance measurement company, said that between 3rd July and 9th July, visitors to the site could access it more than 99% of the time, taking between 2.89 seconds and 3.76 seconds. That compares with access times of between 4 seconds and 5.3 seconds in early June.
www.orbitz.com
http://www.eyefortravel.com/index.asp?news=18513
Jul 18, 2001 | 9:40 am
#98
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Posts: 359
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by doc:
As previously reported, Orbitz enjoyed the biggest e-commerce launch since 1999, but this success brought access problems in its wake
The site had to be taken down on several occasions for upgrades. In addition, an outage caused by a severed fibre optic cable revealed insufficient network redundancy, but improvements have been made. Keynote Systems, a performance measurement company, said that between 3rd July and 9th July, visitors to the site could access it more than 99% of the time, taking between 2.89 seconds and 3.76 seconds. That compares with access times of between 4 seconds and 5.3 seconds in early June.
www.orbitz.com
http://www.eyefortravel.com/index.asp?news=18513</font>
As previously reported, Orbitz enjoyed the biggest e-commerce launch since 1999, but this success brought access problems in its wake
The site had to be taken down on several occasions for upgrades. In addition, an outage caused by a severed fibre optic cable revealed insufficient network redundancy, but improvements have been made. Keynote Systems, a performance measurement company, said that between 3rd July and 9th July, visitors to the site could access it more than 99% of the time, taking between 2.89 seconds and 3.76 seconds. That compares with access times of between 4 seconds and 5.3 seconds in early June.
www.orbitz.com
http://www.eyefortravel.com/index.asp?news=18513</font>
Jul 19, 2001 | 7:09 am
#99
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 46,817
Yep!
---
Orbitz, Hotwire to share customers
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1007-200...49.html?tag=lh
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/004871.html
---
Orbitz, Hotwire to share customers
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1007-200...49.html?tag=lh
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/004871.html
Jul 19, 2001 | 12:53 pm
#100
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Posts: 359
The Hotwire agreement with Orbitz is great because it will provide consumers with more choices and provide Orbitz with a new service portion that it has been lacking. Now I will be able to shop on Orbitz for normal fares and also shop for Hotwire fares, if their travel plans are flexible.
Orbitz seems to be doing a fine job in integrating consumer demanded features.
Orbitz seems to be doing a fine job in integrating consumer demanded features.
Jul 19, 2001 | 2:15 pm
#101
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 46,817
Vanguard Airlines Statement Regarding Orbitz
KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard Airlines, Inc. (Nasdaq: VNGD - news) today issued the following statement regarding its participation in the Orbitz online travel site:
``Vanguard Airlines has received comments from several travelers who have experienced problems booking travel on Vanguard through the Orbitz Web site. We are working with Orbitz to resolve these issues but have not been able to resolve the problems or, in some cases, identify where the problems arise. Until these problems can be resolved, we recommend that Vanguard Airlines customers book directly through their local travel agents or directly through Vanguard Airlines by visiting our Web site at www.flyvanguard.com or by calling 1-800-VANGUARD. Vanguard flights can also be booked using other online agencies such as Travelocity or Expedia, which are not experiencing the same problems in accurately booking Vanguard flights.''
Vanguard Airlines Statement Regarding Orbitz
KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard Airlines, Inc. (Nasdaq: VNGD - news) today issued the following statement regarding its participation in the Orbitz online travel site:
``Vanguard Airlines has received comments from several travelers who have experienced problems booking travel on Vanguard through the Orbitz Web site. We are working with Orbitz to resolve these issues but have not been able to resolve the problems or, in some cases, identify where the problems arise. Until these problems can be resolved, we recommend that Vanguard Airlines customers book directly through their local travel agents or directly through Vanguard Airlines by visiting our Web site at www.flyvanguard.com or by calling 1-800-VANGUARD. Vanguard flights can also be booked using other online agencies such as Travelocity or Expedia, which are not experiencing the same problems in accurately booking Vanguard flights.''
KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard Airlines, Inc. (Nasdaq: VNGD - news) today issued the following statement regarding its participation in the Orbitz online travel site:
``Vanguard Airlines has received comments from several travelers who have experienced problems booking travel on Vanguard through the Orbitz Web site. We are working with Orbitz to resolve these issues but have not been able to resolve the problems or, in some cases, identify where the problems arise. Until these problems can be resolved, we recommend that Vanguard Airlines customers book directly through their local travel agents or directly through Vanguard Airlines by visiting our Web site at www.flyvanguard.com or by calling 1-800-VANGUARD. Vanguard flights can also be booked using other online agencies such as Travelocity or Expedia, which are not experiencing the same problems in accurately booking Vanguard flights.''
Vanguard Airlines Statement Regarding Orbitz
KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard Airlines, Inc. (Nasdaq: VNGD - news) today issued the following statement regarding its participation in the Orbitz online travel site:
``Vanguard Airlines has received comments from several travelers who have experienced problems booking travel on Vanguard through the Orbitz Web site. We are working with Orbitz to resolve these issues but have not been able to resolve the problems or, in some cases, identify where the problems arise. Until these problems can be resolved, we recommend that Vanguard Airlines customers book directly through their local travel agents or directly through Vanguard Airlines by visiting our Web site at www.flyvanguard.com or by calling 1-800-VANGUARD. Vanguard flights can also be booked using other online agencies such as Travelocity or Expedia, which are not experiencing the same problems in accurately booking Vanguard flights.''
Jul 22, 2001 | 8:41 am
#102
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 46,817
It also is receiving a few complaints, including passengers' inability to reserve a seat. Travelocity and Expedia have offered the option for more than a year.
"We plan to add that this fall," said Carol Jouzaitis, vice president of the Chicago-based company, which was backed by $145 million in funding from the nation's five largest airlines. She noted that during tests of the booking system the lack of an "interactive seat map" was a top priority among users.
"On Orbitz, we do ask if you want a window or aisle seat and we do convey that to the carrier. So you are more likely to get that when you book your flight," she said.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...200401,FF.html
"We plan to add that this fall," said Carol Jouzaitis, vice president of the Chicago-based company, which was backed by $145 million in funding from the nation's five largest airlines. She noted that during tests of the booking system the lack of an "interactive seat map" was a top priority among users.
"On Orbitz, we do ask if you want a window or aisle seat and we do convey that to the carrier. So you are more likely to get that when you book your flight," she said.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...200401,FF.html
Jul 23, 2001 | 1:43 pm
#103
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Posts: 359
I had never heard of Vanguard Air? I see that it flys out of Kansas City?
So far as I have seen the Orbitz site (since March or so) it has always been very receptive to customer feedback. Now it has teamed up with Hotwire, so it would seem for a site that is almost two months old, it is doing a good job incorporating lots of customer friendly perks.
I really like the personal emails they send you before a flight:
"Hello XXXXX,
Orbitz would like to assist with the preparation for your journey
to Albany, NY on July 21.
Important information for your day of travel
* You have e-tickets for this trip, so please bring a photo ID
(such as a driver's license or passport). This applies to all
travelers over the age of 18.
* If you are checking baggage, please make sure that every bag
is labeled with your name and home address. Add at least 30
minutes to the suggested time of arrival at the airport for luggage
check-in.
Saturday, July 21
* Arrive at Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI)
one hour before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights,
or two hours before your scheduled departure time for international
flights.
* If you have no luggage to check in, proceed directly to the
gate.
* At 4:20 PM EDT your flight, US Airways (US) 3442, will depart
for Albany (ALB).
You're off! Your approximate travel time is 1 hour and 25 minutes.
It is unknown whether a meal will be served during your flight.
* You are scheduled to arrive at Albany (ALB) at 5:45 PM EDT.
Follow the signs for luggage and transportation.
Enjoy your time in Albany!
* If you need assistance during your trip, please contact an
Orbitz Customer Service Representative at 1-888-656-4546.
Check the status of your flights, airport conditions and weather
in your Travel Brief, accessible via the Travel Watch home page
(http://www.orbitz.com/App/ViewTravelWatchHome) at Orbitz.
We continue to strive to meet your expectations for your Orbitz
experience. Look for the Traveler Advocate upon return from
your trip. We appreciate your feedback so we can better assist
you when you plan your next travel adventure.
Orbitz Cares"
So far as I have seen the Orbitz site (since March or so) it has always been very receptive to customer feedback. Now it has teamed up with Hotwire, so it would seem for a site that is almost two months old, it is doing a good job incorporating lots of customer friendly perks.
I really like the personal emails they send you before a flight:
"Hello XXXXX,
Orbitz would like to assist with the preparation for your journey
to Albany, NY on July 21.
Important information for your day of travel
* You have e-tickets for this trip, so please bring a photo ID
(such as a driver's license or passport). This applies to all
travelers over the age of 18.
* If you are checking baggage, please make sure that every bag
is labeled with your name and home address. Add at least 30
minutes to the suggested time of arrival at the airport for luggage
check-in.
Saturday, July 21
* Arrive at Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI)
one hour before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights,
or two hours before your scheduled departure time for international
flights.
* If you have no luggage to check in, proceed directly to the
gate.
* At 4:20 PM EDT your flight, US Airways (US) 3442, will depart
for Albany (ALB).
You're off! Your approximate travel time is 1 hour and 25 minutes.
It is unknown whether a meal will be served during your flight.
* You are scheduled to arrive at Albany (ALB) at 5:45 PM EDT.
Follow the signs for luggage and transportation.
Enjoy your time in Albany!
* If you need assistance during your trip, please contact an
Orbitz Customer Service Representative at 1-888-656-4546.
Check the status of your flights, airport conditions and weather
in your Travel Brief, accessible via the Travel Watch home page
(http://www.orbitz.com/App/ViewTravelWatchHome) at Orbitz.
We continue to strive to meet your expectations for your Orbitz
experience. Look for the Traveler Advocate upon return from
your trip. We appreciate your feedback so we can better assist
you when you plan your next travel adventure.
Orbitz Cares"
Jul 23, 2001 | 2:41 pm
#104
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 48
aqueous...I just got one of those emails for a trip I'm taking on Wednesday and was so psyched! More often than not, I'm searching at the last minute (like I was going to have to do tomorrow am) for the email that has my flight confirmation info, etc. so that I'm prepared when I get to the airport...nice to have that info sent a couple of days before...thank you Orbitz! No more searching... phew! 
Jul 23, 2001 | 5:19 pm
#105
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 40
It's always great to see such great customer service. When you put that together with great fares, you've got a great site. I love the fact that I now have even more choice on the site. Plus, it's good for Orbitz because they have a new service that wasn't there in the past. The site has definitely improved itself with this deal.