Online travel giant Expedia is on a mission to bring a little more transparency to airline booking.
The OTA will display airlines’ extra fees alongside base ticket prices in a search.
The ‘Upgrade Options’ function lists various price options that include checked baggage fees and relevant cancelation and change fees.
Expedia has started listing the options for Delta Air Lines in the US and Airberlin in Europe, with an aim of adding ‘dozens more shortly,’ said Greg Schulze, Expedia senior vice president of global tour and transport.
"There is a huge amount of data we are collecting, along with information we have to help travelers to make informed decisions. We are starting to be more confident in ourselves in helping travelers compare options," Schulze said.
The ‘Baggage Calculator’ will display baggage fees and checked and carry-on bag policies for different airlines during a flight search.
Expedia is betting more airlines will come onboard despite the fact that ancillary revenue is a big earner that carriers have stubbornly tried to keep for themselves.
"We accept we have two customers: travelers and supply partners. Airlines have seen it is much better to work with us, and not just be out there to sell bunch of tickets. We want to help with operational issues and provide good info to travelers, and that only helps airlines," Schulze added.
