History of Orbitz

Orbitz was founded in 2001 by a group of major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Continental Airlines. The goal was to create an online travel agency that would compete with established travel sites like Expedia and Travelocity. Orbitz allowed customers to search for and book flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages directly from multiple airlines and travel providers in one place.

In the early years, Orbitz gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and competitive pricing. The company introduced innovative technology that allowed real-time comparisons of fares from different airlines, helping users find the best deals. Despite facing criticism and legal challenges from competitors who accused it of unfair advantages due to its airline ownership, Orbitz quickly became one of the top online travel agencies in the U.S.

Over time, Orbitz expanded its services globally and launched Orbitz for Business to cater to corporate travel needs. In 2015, Expedia Group acquired Orbitz Worldwide for about $1.6 billion, consolidating its position as a leader in the online travel industry. After the acquisition, Orbitz continued to operate under its own brand name but used Expedia’s technology platform and resources to enhance its offerings.