Are Expedia and Travelocity the Same Company?

In the ever-evolving world of online travel booking, two names that frequently come up are Expedia and Travelocity. At first glance, both platforms appear to operate independently, offering services like flight bookings, hotel reservations, car rentals, and vacation packages. However, there’s a deeper connection between them, as they are both part of the same parent company: Expedia Group. Understanding their relationship reveals not only the corporate structure behind these websites but also how they cater to different segments of the travel market.

The Origins of Expedia and Travelocity
Expedia was launched in 1996 as a division of Microsoft, quickly becoming one of the pioneers in the online travel industry. Over the years, it expanded its services and grew into a global leader in travel bookings. In 2001, Expedia became an independent company, and by 2013, it had evolved into Expedia Group, a major conglomerate that owns a variety of travel-related brands.

Travelocity, on the other hand, was founded in 1996 by Sabre Corporation, one of the largest global distribution systems for the travel industry. Travelocity was one of the first major travel websites to offer consumers the ability to book flights, hotels, and cars online. After a period of growth and innovation, Travelocity was acquired by Expedia Group in 2015.

Are They the Same?
While Expedia and Travelocity operate under the same parent company—Expedia Group—the two brands still maintain separate identities. They serve as different platforms catering to similar but distinct audiences.

Expedia is often considered the larger and more well-established of the two. It is known for its wide-reaching services and user-friendly interface, appealing to a diverse group of travelers, from those booking last-minute trips to those planning long vacations. Expedia offers extensive options for flights, hotels, vacation packages, car rentals, and activities. Its global presence and strong customer loyalty programs make it a go-to for many travelers.

Travelocity, by comparison, has positioned itself as a more niche service, focusing on offering competitive deals while promoting customer satisfaction. Travelocity’s branding is often seen as more playful, with its well-known mascot, the “Roaming Gnome,” helping to create a distinct identity in the crowded travel market. Though Travelocity also offers similar services to Expedia, it may cater more to travelers looking for a less complex booking process or those drawn to its specific deals.

Shared Technology and Services
Despite maintaining separate brands, the two websites share much of their technology and back-end infrastructure. Both Expedia and Travelocity offer comparable search engines, customer support systems, and booking tools. This means that the booking experience on either platform is very similar. Users can search for flights, book hotels, and reserve rental cars across both platforms without noticing major differences in the functionality of the websites.

Moreover, Expedia Group integrates its various services across its multiple brands, allowing customers to benefit from the same loyalty programs, promotions, and customer service standards. For instance, booking through either platform might earn you the same rewards or discounts as Expedia’s other associated brands, such as Hotels.com or Orbitz.

Why Do They Exist Separately?
While Expedia Group owns both platforms, they operate separately for marketing and customer targeting reasons. By maintaining two distinct brands, Expedia Group can cater to different customer bases, each with its own preferences and needs. Some travelers may prefer Expedia’s vast selection and established reputation, while others might gravitate toward Travelocity for its unique marketing and competitive deals.

Additionally, having two brands under one roof allows Expedia Group to dominate various segments of the online travel market. Instead of competing with itself, the company can reach broader audiences while minimizing overlap between the brands.

Conclusion
In short, Expedia and Travelocity are both part of Expedia Group, and while they serve similar purposes, they are not the same company. They are distinct brands with different target audiences, marketing approaches, and customer experiences, but their shared infrastructure and loyalty programs reflect their connection. Whether you prefer the extensive reach of Expedia or the playful charm of Travelocity, both websites offer reliable travel services backed by the same corporate powerhouse.