Expedia Signs Deal With US Airways

Expedia made headlines last month when it hid fares for American Airlines after AA cut its fares from being available on Orbitz. In keeping with its commitment to provide travelers with affordable options, Expedia recently announced a multi-year agreement with US Airways to provide the airline’s full range of products and services including fares and inventory. In addition to the agreement, Expedia will work with US Airways to distribute its Choice Seats product through new channels such as the Expedia online travel marketplace.

US Airways and Expedia Sign New Multi-Year Partnership Agreement

TEMPE, Ariz. and BELLEVUE, Wash., Jan. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- US Airways (NYSE: LCC) and Expedia, Inc., the world's largest online travel company (Nasdaq: EXPE), today announced they have signed a multi-year strategic partnership agreement to continue offering US Airways' full range of products and services, including all fares and inventory, through Expedia®, Hotwire® and Egencia® sites around the world.

Under the agreement, US Airways has committed to offer all of its content to Expedia through the global distribution system (GDS) model, a central reservation system which is used by travel agencies to search and book travel. In addition, Expedia has committed to working with US Airways to enable the distribution of its Choice Seats product (offering customers the benefit of purchasing window or aisle seats toward the front of Coach class) through new channels, including the Expedia online travel marketplace.

US Airways' Senior Vice President, Marketing and Planning Andrew Nocella said, "We are committed to making it as easy as possible for our customers to purchase tickets from US Airways through as many sources as possible. More and more people want to book their own travel and they want to do it online. Expedia is the world's largest online travel company and we're pleased that they will continue to be one of our key points of distribution."

US Airways, Expedia and the companies' many loyal customers will benefit from the new agreement, which gives US Airways continued access to Expedia's marketplace, online travel expertise, broad reach and targeted merchandising opportunities. Additionally, Expedia's travelers will gain greater access to all fares across US Airways' extensive network of domestic and international flights. US Airways' more than 3,200 flight options per day, and Expedia's leading hotel and car rental offerings will allow consumers to find the most comprehensive travel options at the most competitive prices available, all in one place.

Expedia's Co-President, Partner Services Group Dhiren Fonseca said, "Expedia and US Airways share a commitment to providing travelers with affordable travel options around the world, without sacrificing the high level of service they have come to expect from our companies. They are one of the brands our customers come to look for and we're thrilled to extend our partnership."

Expedia's Co-President, Partner Services Group Gary Fritz added, "This agreement demonstrates the significance of Expedia's marketplace for both our valued partners and our loyal customers. Expedia is committed to working collaboratively with our partners to offer customers the broadest range of opportunities at the guaranteed best prices."