Orbitz - Detailed Review
Travel Tools
Orbitz - Product Overview
Overview of Orbitz
Orbitz, a flagship brand of Orbitz Worldwide and a subsidiary of Expedia Group, is a prominent travel fare aggregator website and travel metasearch engine. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
Orbitz is designed to help users plan and book their travels from start to finish. The platform offers comprehensive booking services for flights, hotels, vacation packages, car rentals, and cruises. It acts as a one-stop-shop where customers can search, compare prices, and make reservations conveniently online or through its mobile app.
Target Audience
The target audience for Orbitz includes a wide range of travelers. Demographically, the largest age group of visitors are 45- to 54-year-olds, with a slightly higher proportion of female users (56.41%) compared to male users (43.59%). Orbitz also has a significant presence in the United States, which accounts for the majority of its traffic, followed by smaller percentages from countries like Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom.
Key Features
Comprehensive Booking Services
Users can book flights, hotels, vacation packages, car rentals, and cruises all in one place.
Mobile App
Orbitz has an award-winning mobile app that offers mobile-only discounts, real-time travel updates, and the ability to directly message hotels.
Orbitz Rewards
The loyalty program, known as Orbitz Rewards, allows customers to earn Orbucks, which can be used for hotel bookings and other travel-related discounts.
Price Alerts and Flexible Dates
Users can set up price alerts to notify them of price drops and use the “Flexible Dates” or “Flexible Months” feature to find the best deals.
Global Reach
As part of Expedia Group, listings on Orbitz are exposed across more than 200 Expedia travel booking sites, reaching a huge global audience.
LGBTQIA Inclusivity
Orbitz has a strong commitment to LGBTQIA equality, offering resources and guides for LGBTQIA-welcoming hotels and travel advice.
Overall, Orbitz is a user-friendly platform that simplifies the travel booking process, offering a range of services and features to cater to various travel needs.
Orbitz - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Orbitz
The user interface of Orbitz, particularly in its AI-driven travel tools, is crafted to be intuitive and user-friendly, ensuring a seamless travel planning and booking experience.
Search and Booking Interface
Orbitz allows users to search for flights, hotels, vacation packages, rental vehicles, and more through a clear and easy-to-navigate interface. Users can input their travel dates and destinations, and the system provides a list of available options. The “Flexible Dates” and “Flexible Months” features help users compare prices across different dates to find the best deals.
Visual and Interactive Tools
Orbitz Labs introduced several interactive tools that enhance the user experience. For example, the “Big Game Flight Finder” and “Big Game Hotel Finder” tools use charts, heat maps, and animated maps to help users find last-minute travel options for major sporting events. These tools provide visual insights into historic hotel rates and daily flight searches, making it easier for users to make informed decisions.
Mobile Experience
The Orbitz mobile app offers additional features such as mobile-only discounts, real-time travel updates, and the ability to directly message hotels. This ensures that users can manage their travel plans conveniently from their smartphones or tablets. The app allows users to start a search on one device and complete it on another, enhancing continuity across different devices.
User-Centric Features
Orbitz incorporates features that cater to user preferences and behavior. For instance, the platform offers price alerts that notify users when the cost of their desired flights or hotels decreases. Users can also store their searches and share their itineraries via email, text, or social media.
Accessibility and Customization
The interface is designed to be accessible across various devices and screen sizes, ensuring a smooth transition whether users are on a mobile device or desktop. Orbitz also includes features like voice command, screen reader compatibility, and high-contrast visuals to make the platform convenient for all users.
Feedback and Community
Users can rate and review their experiences, which helps enrich the database and build a community of travelers who can benefit from each other’s feedback. This feature fosters engagement and helps other users make better-informed decisions.
Overall User Experience
The overall user experience on Orbitz is streamlined and customer-centric. The platform provides a comprehensive travel booking experience where users can search, compare prices, and book their travel arrangements without leaving the site. The integration of AI-driven tools and interactive features enhances the user experience by offering personalized recommendations and real-time updates, making the travel planning process easier and more efficient.
Orbitz - Key Features and Functionality
Innovative Features of Orbitz
Orbitz, a prominent online travel agency, incorporates several innovative features and tools, some of which are driven by big data and AI, to enhance the travel booking experience. Here are the key features and how they work:Big Data Tools
Orbitz Labs, introduced in 2014, featured several experimental tools that utilized big data to help consumers make informed travel decisions. For example:- Historic Hotel Rate Analysis: This tool allows users to search historic hotel rates by booking date, helping them forecast the best time to book a hotel room. For instance, data showed that booking a hotel room in the US for April is typically cheapest about six weeks in advance.
- Hotel Rate Heat Maps: These maps provide a visual representation of hotel rates over time, helping users identify the cheapest periods to book.
Real-Time Notifications and Updates
Orbitz is known for its real-time notifications of flight cancellations and delays. This feature ensures that customers are informed promptly about any changes to their travel plans, allowing them to make necessary adjustments.Comprehensive Booking Services
Orbitz offers a one-stop-shop for booking various travel components, including:- Flights: Users can search and book flights from multiple airlines.
- Hotels: Orbitz provides a wide range of hotel options, along with tools to compare and find the best rates.
- Car Rentals: Users can book car rentals as part of their travel itinerary.
- Vacation Packages: Orbitz allows users to book complete vacation packages, including flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Mobile App and Business Travel Features
Orbitz has a highly regarded mobile app that mirrors the desktop experience, offering features such as:- Make New Reservations: Users can search and book flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel services on the go.
- Trip Tracking and Itinerary Management: The app allows users to access all their travel reservations and trip details in one place, including the ability to cancel or modify existing reservations.
- Flight Status and Traveler Updates: The app provides real-time flight status updates and alerts for any changes to travel plans.
Loyalty Program
Orbitz Rewards is a loyalty program that allows customers to earn Orbucks, which can be redeemed for discounts on hotel bookings and other travel services. This program incentivizes repeat customers and enhances their overall travel experience.AI Integration
While the current features of Orbitz do not explicitly highlight AI-driven tools as of the last available updates, the broader travel industry is moving towards AI integration. For example, other travel companies like Expedia have started incorporating AI tools such as ChatGPT for travel planning, but there is no specific information available on Orbitz implementing similar AI-driven features at this time. In summary, Orbitz’s travel tools are primarily driven by big data analytics and real-time updates, providing users with valuable insights and convenience in planning and booking their travel. However, as of the latest information, there is no detailed integration of AI-specific features within Orbitz’s product offerings. Orbitz - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Orbitz has been at the forefront of leveraging Big Data to improve the travel booking experience. The introduction of Orbitz Labs in 2014 showcased a range of experimental tools aimed at enhancing user engagement and decision-making. Tools such as the “Big Game Flight Finder” and “Big Game Hotel Finder” help users book last-minute travel for major sporting events, which has been particularly effective for mobile users. The use of Big Data allows Orbitz to analyze booking patterns and provide users with valuable insights, such as the best time to book hotels to get the cheapest rates. For instance, historical data indicates that booking a hotel room in the US about six weeks in advance often yields the best rates.Accuracy
The accuracy of these tools is supported by the extensive data analysis Orbitz conducts. The hotel rates heat map and animated maps displaying daily flight searches are examples of how data is visualized to help users make informed decisions. These tools are based on historical data and real-time searches, which enhances their accuracy. However, while these tools are highly informative, they are not perfect. The accuracy can be influenced by various factors such as market fluctuations and unexpected events that might not be fully captured by historical data.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
One of the limitations is the need for continuous refinement and updating of the data. For example, tools like the “Big Game Flight Finder” and “Big Game Hotel Finder” are highly dependent on current and accurate data about sporting events and travel demand. Any inaccuracies or outdated information could lead to less optimal recommendations. Additionally, while AI-driven tools can save time and provide valuable insights, they still require human oversight to ensure accuracy. This is similar to other AI travel tools where human feedback is necessary to improve the recommendations and keep them up-to-date.Engagement
Orbitz’s approach to engaging users through interactive tools like heat maps and animated searches has been well-received. These tools not only provide valuable information but also make the search process more engaging and user-friendly. The plan is to incorporate tools that resonate with customers into the main Orbitz mobile and desktop booking engines, which indicates a commitment to enhancing user experience based on feedback. In summary, Orbitz’s performance in the travel tools AI-driven product category is strong, with a focus on using Big Data to provide accurate and useful insights to users. However, there is always room for improvement, particularly in ensuring the continuous accuracy and relevance of the data used in these tools. Orbitz - Pricing and Plans
Orbitz Pricing Structure and Plans
Orbitz Rewards Program
Orbitz offers a free rewards program called Orbitz Rewards, which is open to everyone with an email address and password. Here’s a breakdown of how you can earn and use Orbucks, the reward currency:
Earning Orbucks:
- Flights: 1% Orbucks on desktop, 2% on the Orbitz app.
- Hotels: 3% Orbucks on desktop, 4% or 5% on the Orbitz app.
- Activities and Vacation Packages: 1% Orbucks on desktop, 2% on the Orbitz app.
Redeeming Orbucks:
- Orbucks can be redeemed for hotel bookings only, with 1 Orbuck equal to $1 USD. There are no blackout dates for redemption.
Rewards Tiers
Orbitz Rewards has three tiers, each offering different benefits:
Silver Tier:
- This is the basic level for all members.
- Benefits include member-only pricing (Insider Prices) and a dedicated customer service number.
Gold Tier:
- Achieved after staying 4 or more nights in hotels booked through Orbitz in a year.
- Benefits include free amenities like Wi-Fi and breakfast at VIP Access properties, along with the perks of the Silver tier.
Platinum Tier:
- Achieved after staying 12 or more nights in hotels booked through Orbitz in a year.
- Benefits include room upgrades and early check-in at VIP Access properties, reimbursement up to $50 Orbucks for seat upgrades or bag fees, and a TSA PreCheck enrollment fee credit (worth $78).
Additional Features
Insider Prices:
- Orbitz offers discounted member pricing on certain hotels, with discounts ranging from 10% to as high as 50%.
Cancellation and Changes:
- Orbitz does not charge extra for updating your reservation, and you can cancel a flight for a refund according to the airline’s cancellation policy.
No Subscription Fees
Orbitz does not charge any subscription fees for using its services or joining the Orbitz Rewards program. All benefits and rewards are tied to your booking activities through the platform.
In summary, Orbitz’s pricing structure is primarily based on the rewards and discounts you can earn through their free rewards program, without any additional subscription fees. The benefits escalate as you move through the Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers based on your booking activity.
Orbitz - Integration and Compatibility
Integration Considerations for Orbitz
API Integration
Orbitz offers a comprehensive API that allows for seamless integration with various travel-related services and websites. This API can be customized to fit the branding, design, and unique user needs of your website. It enables features such as real-time synchronization of bookings, availability, and rates, which can be particularly useful for managing hotel and other travel bookings efficiently.Channel Management
For property managers and hotel owners, Orbitz integrates well with channel management systems like eviivo. This integration provides a 2-way connection, ensuring real-time updates on bookings, availability, and rates. It also simplifies the management process by automating tasks such as onboarding and updates, reducing the risk of overbookings and saving time.Mobile App Compatibility
The Orbitz mobile app is highly compatible with mobile devices, allowing users to search and book flights, hotels, rental cars, and activities easily. The app offers mobile-exclusive discounts, real-time travel updates, and the ability to directly message hotels, enhancing the user experience on mobile platforms.Third-Party Services
Orbitz can be integrated with other third-party services such as payment gateways, customer management programs, and mapping services. This ensures a unified and effective workflow within your travel software architecture. Companies like Sriggle specialize in integrating the Orbitz Travel API with these additional systems to maintain a seamless user experience.Data Security and Compliance
The integration of Orbitz with other tools prioritizes data security. Ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, the integration process involves measures to safeguard user data and guarantee secure booking transactions. This is crucial for maintaining trust and ensuring the integrity of the booking process.User Interface and Customization
The Orbitz API allows for significant customization in terms of search criteria, filters, and presentation choices. This flexibility ensures that the integration can be adapted to fit the style and branding of your website, providing a consistent user experience. Sriggle, for example, can modify the API integration to align with your website’s aesthetics and user interface needs.Additional Tools and Analytics
Orbitz data can also be integrated with advanced analytics tools to extract valuable insights. Services like data scraping and analytics tools can help in developing dynamic pricing strategies, analyzing customer feedback, and identifying market trends. This integration enhances decision-making and market strategy development.Conclusion
In summary, Orbitz integrates seamlessly with a variety of tools and platforms, offering real-time synchronization, customization options, and enhanced security measures. Its compatibility across different devices and systems makes it a versatile solution for travel businesses looking to streamline their operations. Orbitz - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
Orbitz offers several customer support options and additional resources, particularly leveraging AI and other technologies to enhance the user experience.Phone Support
Orbitz provides 24/7 phone support through their toll-free number, 1-844-803-5576. This is the most commonly used method for contacting customer service, with 68% of consumers using this number to address their issues. When calling, be prepared to provide your first and last name, order ID or tracking number, or phone number to identify yourself as a customer. The average hold time is up to 3 minutes, and the average call time is 10 minutes.Live Chat
Orbitz also offers live chat support, available from 7 AM to 10 PM (EST) Monday through Friday, and from 10 AM to 9 PM (EST) on weekends. After hours, you can interact with a virtual agent who can assist with changing bookings, redeeming airline credits, and other requests.Social Media Support
Customers can reach out to Orbitz through Twitter, where the company has a good reputation for responding quickly to queries. A customer representative will either solve your issue directly or prompt you to connect through a phone call.AI-Powered Tools
Orbitz has integrated AI-powered systems into their platform, such as natural language search. This feature, available on their homepage, allows users to query travel-related information using everyday language, such as “flights from DEN to Chicago next weekend.” This tool fetches relevant, ranked lists of travel entities like hotels and regions.Big Data and Mobile Features
Orbitz leverages Big Data to create next-generation mobile experiences. For example, they have introduced tools like the hotel rates heat map, which helps users determine the best time to book a hotel for the cheapest rate. Other tools include the Big Game Flight Finder and the Big Game Hotel Finder, designed to help customers book last-minute travel arrangements for major events.Help Desk and FAQs
Orbitz provides a comprehensive help desk with troubleshooting tips and a frequently asked questions (FAQ) forum. This resource covers various common issues related to ticket bookings and other travel-related queries. By combining these support options, Orbitz aims to provide efficient, personalized, and round-the-clock assistance to its customers, enhancing their overall travel booking experience. Orbitz - Pros and Cons
Advantages
Rewards Program
Orbitz has a rewarding loyalty program called Orbitz Rewards, which is free to join. You can earn Orbucks on various travel purchases, including flights, hotels, activities, and vacation packages. The rewards rates vary, with higher earnings when booking through the Orbitz app (e.g., 2% on flights and 4% on hotels).Elite Status Benefits
As you accumulate hotel nights booked through Orbitz, you can achieve higher elite status levels (Silver, Gold, Platinum), which offer perks like free Wi-Fi, breakfast, room upgrades, and even a TSA PreCheck enrollment fee credit.Promo Codes and Discounts
Orbitz offers abundant promo codes that can save you money on hotel bookings and vacation packages. Additionally, using the Orbitz app can provide exclusive deals and discounts, such as up to 30% off hotels.User-Friendly Interface
The website and app are easy to use, allowing you to search, compare, and book various travel components in one place. Tools like the calendar view help you find cheaper travel dates for flights.Comprehensive Booking Options
Orbitz is a one-stop shop for booking flights, hotels, rental cars, vacation packages, and even cruises. This makes it convenient for planning and booking entire trips.Disadvantages
Rewards Expiration
The Orbucks you earn expire after one year and cannot be extended by earning more rewards. However, you can redeem them for partial credit.Prepayment Requirement for Promo Codes
To use promo codes, you must prepay for your reservation, and these offers often do not apply to multiroom bookings or certain properties.Limited Elite Benefits Recognition
Bookings made through Orbitz are considered third-party bookings, so they do not qualify for elite night credits or status benefits with hotel chains or airlines unless booked directly.Customer Service and Reservation Issues
As a third-party booking service, any changes or cancellations to your booking must be handled through Orbitz customer service, which can be less direct and less helpful than dealing with the travel provider directly. There is also a risk of reservation issues if not verified with the travel provider.Limited Flexibility in Travel Packages
Travel packages booked through Orbitz are less flexible compared to booking components separately. While you can customize some aspects, the options are more limited.Customer Service Limitations
Orbitz’s customer service can be minimal, especially when compared to the more direct and detailed help you might receive from airlines, hotels, or rental car companies themselves. By weighing these pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about whether Orbitz is the right tool for your travel booking needs. Orbitz - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Orbitz
Orbitz has introduced innovative tools through its “Orbitz Labs” initiative. For instance, the “Big Game Flight Finder” and “Big Game Hotel Finder” are designed to help consumers book last-minute travel to destinations hosting major sporting events. These tools utilize big data to provide insights such as historic hotel rate analysis, allowing users to determine the best time to book for the cheapest rates. For example, Orbitz data suggests that booking a hotel room in the US for April is typically cheapest six weeks in advance. Orbitz also offers a mobile solution for corporate travelers through “Orbitz for Business,” which includes features like trip tracking, itinerary management, and real-time flight status updates. This platform is optimized for mobile devices and integrates corporate travel policies, controls, and compliance guidelines.Competitors and Alternatives
Expedia and Travelocity
Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity are closely related since they are part of the same parent company. These sites offer similar functionalities, allowing users to book flights, hotels, cars, activities, and more. However, Travelocity stands out with its “Price Guarantee,” which matches any price offered by another company.Priceline
Priceline is known for its opaque sales model, where customers can bid on hotel rooms or book “Express Deals” without knowing the hotel name until after payment. This model can offer significant savings but lacks the transparency of traditional booking sites.Hipmunk
Hipmunk is a competitor that focuses on comparing top travel sites to find the best flights and hotels. It is known for its user-friendly interface and ability to save time and money by aggregating results from multiple travel sites.Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a flight search engine that allows users to browse flights based on price and location. While it does not offer the full range of booking options like Orbitz, it is a strong alternative for those primarily looking for flight deals.TravelZoo
TravelZoo is unique in that it promotes and shares travel deals from across the web rather than just searching for specific destinations and dates. It offers a “Super Search” engine to compare ticket prices across multiple top travel companies, making it a good option for those looking for a wide range of travel and local deals.Engagement and User Experience
Orbitz, particularly through its “Orbitz for Business” platform, emphasizes ease of use and mobile optimization. The platform supports all search types and filters, making it convenient for business travelers to manage their itineraries on the go. Additionally, Orbitz offers 24/7 customer service, which is a significant advantage for users who need immediate support. In contrast, competitors like Hipmunk and Skyscanner focus more on simplicity and speed in their search functionalities, which can be appealing to users looking for quick and efficient travel planning.Conclusion
Orbitz stands out with its innovative use of big data and its comprehensive mobile solutions for corporate travelers. However, users may find alternatives like Hipmunk, Skyscanner, and TravelZoo more appealing depending on their specific needs, such as comparing prices across multiple sites or finding unique travel deals. Each platform has its strengths, and choosing the right one depends on the user’s priorities and travel requirements. Orbitz - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some of the AI-driven travel tools offered by Orbitz?
Orbitz has introduced several AI-driven tools through its Orbitz Labs initiative. These include the “Big Game Flight Finder” and “Big Game Hotel Finder,” which help users book last-minute travel to destinations hosting major sporting events. Additionally, tools like historic hotel rate charts and heat maps allow users to forecast the best times to book accommodations based on past data.
2. How does Orbitz use big data to help travelers?
Orbitz uses big data to provide insights into travel trends and pricing. For example, their tools can show historic hotel rates by booking date, helping users determine the cheapest time to book a room. An animated map also displays typical daily flight searches, and a hotel rate heat map helps users identify the cheapest times of the year to book.
3. Can I use Orbitz for business travel, and what features does it offer?
Yes, Orbitz for Business is a dedicated platform for corporate travelers. It offers a mobile solution that allows users to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel services on the go. Features include trip tracking and itinerary management, flight status updates, and real-time alerts. The platform also applies customized corporate travel policies and provides 24/7 customer service.
4. How does Orbitz for Business support corporate travel policies?
Orbitz for Business integrates all existing customized corporate travel policies, controls, and compliance guidelines into its mobile and desktop platforms. This includes prioritized search results with preferred suppliers and other company-level travel policies, ensuring that all bookings comply with the company’s travel and compliance rules.
5. Does Orbitz offer any customer care tools for corporate travelers?
Yes, Orbitz for Business has announced a fully-integrated customer care offering that combines technology tools with a broad range of tailored services. This includes an international rate desk, executive travel departments, and shared premier travel counselors. The platform also features an Interactive Voice Response system for easy and intuitive natural-language messaging.
6. Can I use Orbitz tools to get real-time assistance?
Orbitz for Business provides real-time assistance through its mobile and desktop platforms. Users can check flight status, receive real-time updates, and access 24/7 customer service via email or telephone. The platform ensures that travelers are always informed and supported during their trips.
7. How does Orbitz handle last-minute travel bookings?
Orbitz Labs offers tools like the “Big Game Flight Finder” and “Big Game Hotel Finder” specifically designed to help users book last-minute travel to destinations hosting major events. Additionally, the Orbitz for Business mobile site allows for same-day and last-minute reservations for flights, hotels, and car rentals.
8. Are there any AI-powered chatbots available on Orbitz?
While the specific sources do not mention Orbitz using ChatGPT or similar AI-powered chatbots directly, other travel companies like Kayak and Expedia are using such technology to enhance customer support and personalized recommendations. However, Orbitz does offer interactive tools and real-time assistance through other means.
9. Can I manage my itinerary and track my trips on Orbitz?
Yes, Orbitz for Business allows users to manage their itineraries and track their trips through the “My Trips” feature. This includes accessing all travel reservations, canceling existing reservations, and sharing itineraries.
10. How does Orbitz ensure the accuracy of the information provided by its tools?
While the sources do not provide specific details on how Orbitz ensures accuracy, it is common practice in the industry to use a combination of manual and automated verification processes, as well as third-party verification services, to ensure the reliability of the information provided to customers.