Google seems keen on comparing ITA to the GDS systems (Sabre, Amadeus, etc.) Yet, ITA is fairly unique in that it more or less has the entire North American airfare search market locked up (I believe Delta/Northwest is the only major US carrier not using ITA on its web site). Sure, the GDS's have some competing products for search, but their main business is booking. ITA's main business is search. This does not help competitiveness, although it is probably good for ITA's customers and possibly for consumers. The DOJ should take a long, hard look at this in the proper context.
Sure, DOJ should do a thorough review, but I honestly don't know what all the fuss is about. ITA didn't "lock up" the North American search market by stifling competition, unless being the best neutral search engine out there is intrinsically anti-competitive. I've been using ITA as a consumer for years, and I applaud Google for choosing the best out there to strengthen its efforts to provide travel search services. What would be the consequences for consumers should the sale not be approved by DOJ? I'd say the downside would be significant. Disallowing the sale would not be in the public interest.
Google seems eager to ITA comparing the GDS, Sabre, Amadeus, etc. However, the ITA is unique because it is more or less the entire North American airline tickets search market locked. thanks Best Ski resorts
I agree with robm. ITA has proven itself and in a free market, unless the intent is screaming 'bias', Google's acquisition of ITA should be applauded. Besides, they don't (yet) have a world-class booking engine - and that's no easy feat to manage. Look around, the 3 major GDSs have globally sewn up faring, search AND booking capability. The world needs competition.
Google seems keen on comparing ITA to the GDS systems (Sabre, Amadeus, etc.) Yet, ITA is fairly unique in that it more or less has the entire North American airfare search market locked up (I believe Delta/Northwest is the only major US carrier not using ITA on its web site). Sure, the GDS's have some competing products for search, but their main business is booking. ITA's main business is search. This does not help competitiveness, although it is probably good for ITA's customers and possibly for consumers. The DOJ should take a long, hard look at this in the proper context.
ReplyDeleteSure, DOJ should do a thorough review, but I honestly don't know what all the fuss is about. ITA didn't "lock up" the North American search market by stifling competition, unless being the best neutral search engine out there is intrinsically anti-competitive. I've been using ITA as a consumer for years, and I applaud Google for choosing the best out there to strengthen its efforts to provide travel search services.
ReplyDeleteWhat would be the consequences for consumers should the sale not be approved by DOJ? I'd say the downside would be significant. Disallowing the sale would not be in the public interest.
Google seems eager to ITA comparing the GDS, Sabre, Amadeus, etc. However, the ITA is unique because it is more or less the entire North American airline tickets search market locked.
ReplyDeletethanks
Best Ski resorts
I agree with robm. ITA has proven itself and in a free market, unless the intent is screaming 'bias', Google's acquisition of ITA should be applauded. Besides, they don't (yet) have a world-class booking engine - and that's no easy feat to manage. Look around, the 3 major GDSs have globally sewn up faring, search AND booking capability. The world needs competition.
ReplyDelete