|
|
|
Comments (8)
Print
Save/ShareStarting Aug. 1, Kayak.com will no longer display American’s airfares and content, as anticipated.
We asked American Airlines to offer a statement. Here it is:
Kayak/Sidestep has advised American Airlines that they will no longer display our content.We are disappointed and hopeful that this issue can be resolved in the near future so that American Airlines will again display on the Kayak/Sidestep sites.
Our schedules and fares remain available through many other Meta-Search Engines such as Mobissimo and Farecast for purchase through our award-winning website, AA.com. Tickets already purchased remain valid for customers traveling on American.
UPDATE July 24, 9am ET:
I couldn't help noticing that Steve Hafner, the CEO of Kayak, posted a comment on the TechCrunch blog offering his version:
Translated: American asked us to suppress search results from competing websites as a condition to displaying their fares. This is simply not something that Kayak will do. Imagine Sony telling Best Buy that they couldn’t sell Panasonic?
Here's Kayak's official statement:
At Kayak.com, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive and objective display to our users. We’re unwilling to amend this pro-consumer philosophy that is the core of our business by suppressing results based on a partner’s request. We welcome American Airlines to rejoin Kayak.com’s objective results at any time.
UPDATE July 28. For the nitty gritty on this topic, see The Cranky Flier's recent post.
User reviews and comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions.
Good on you, Kayak! Way to go!
Posted By erika on July 24, 2008, 12:22 PM
What an unnecessary quagmire for AA to land in. They have their full share of challenges - as do most of the major carriers - but this is turning into a PR nightmare that continues casting them in a negative light.
Posted By Pete on July 24, 2008, 3:50 PM
This is what, misstep number 55 in the last 8 months alone? People wonder why the American airline industry is in such bad shape. It's not gas prices, it's a group of spoiled companies with no heed for consumer protection, service, or rights with blatantly incompetent management.
Posted By Alex Berger on July 24, 2008, 7:58 PM
In this economy can anyone be so stupid as to limit their availability to the consumer and an opportunity to fill an empty seat on a plane? WHAT is American management thinking? What do their shareholders think of this action?
Posted By Pat on July 25, 2008, 12:29 AM
I bet my bones this dispute has something to do with how much (if at all) AA is paying Kayak for referrals. Also, watch closely - will AA's "sponsored ads" still show up on kayak after Aug 1st?
It's all really unfortunate and stupid - my guess, just the typical struggle over $$. Looks to me like scruffy little Kayak will win this one - AA traffic from mobissimo and farecast is insignificant compared what they get from kayak/Sidestep.
Posted By mrdog on July 25, 2008, 10:48 AM
Oh, and one more thing - AA flights will still show up on kayak via Orbitz/Cheaptickets I assume - or is AA pulling those too? - I doubt it.
Posted By mrdog on July 25, 2008, 10:58 AM
Oh, and one more thing - AA flights will still show up on kayak via Orbitz/Cheaptickets I assume - or is AA pulling those too? - I doubt it.
Posted By mrdog on July 25, 2008, 1:10 PM
American Airlines is doing the stupidest move ever. They will lose too much market share. I am a Gold Status in AAdvantage program, and I will not look in aa.com to find the lowest fares. Kayak.com does it for me.
Mr. Dog, the answer to your last question is yes. They have pulled the American Airlines fare from displaying through Orbitz in Kayak.com
Posted By Avid-Traveller on August 5, 2008, 9:19 AM