This week’s update covers a variety of topics, including ongoing rumors about a possible Saber sale and proposed new federal regulations governing airline fare disclosures that could one day serve as the basis for similar regulations for hotels. Enjoy.
Rumors about a possible Saber sale continue
(“Sabre Quietly Looks to Hed Software Hotel Unit,” Sept. 28, 2022 via Skift) (subscription may be required)
Last week we ran a story detailing discussions from earlier this year about a possible sale by Saber of its hotel software business. According to Skift, the source of last week’s story, the prospects for such a sale have largely diminished. Last week, Skift doubled down on previously reported Saber rumors, noting that six industry professionals had anonymously shared rumors of Saber’s possible sale to Skift since June.
Google and Agoda review and launch Fintech products
(“Airbnb, Google and Agoda tip for future search and Fintech features,” Sep 28, 2022 via Skift) (subscription may be required)
At Skift’s annual Global Skift Forum held recently in New York, Google announced that it was considering returning its previous airline price guarantee. The guarantee, which debuted in 2019, was abandoned by Google at the start of the pandemic. Agoda made similar news last week with its announcement that it planned to launch price freeze and cancellation insurance products. It is not yet clear whether Agoda will use its sister company’s new financial platform (Booking.com) to offer these new products or rely on an established outsider (Hopper).
President Biden Approves Draft DOT Regulations Regarding Airline Fees
(“President Biden calls for airlines to disclose all fees in advance,” Sept. 26, 2022 via Skift) (subscription may be required)
President Joe Biden approved recently released draft rules by the Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding mandatory disclosure of all airline fees (eg, cancellation fees, baggage fees, change fees, and adjacent seat fees ). The proposed rules govern flights to, within, and from the United States and apply not only to airlines, but also to all third-party agents (including OTAs) that process and sell their tickets. Expect to hear more about these rules after the current 60-day public notice period ends.
Other news:
Expedia Group launches new startup accelerator
September 28, 2022 via Phocus Wire
Called the Open World Accelerator, the initiative offers startups and small and medium-sized businesses access to Expedia Group’s technology and resources.
Priceline starts selling activities
September 28, 2022 via Travel Weekly
Priceline has launched Priceline Experiences, giving customers the ability to book more than 80,000 activities and experiences.
