American Airlines threatens Kayak over fares

A row between Kayak and American Airlines, which some commentators say threatens to set a dangerous precedent in the meta search arena, looks set to be decided within days. American Airlines is threatening to pull the plug on its product feed into Kayak, according to reports, after becoming increasingly disgruntled with how its fares are…

A row between Kayak and American Airlines, which some commentators say threatens to set a dangerous precedent in the meta search arena, looks set to be decided within days.


American Airlines is threatening to pull the plug on its product feed into Kayak, according to reports, after becoming increasingly disgruntled with how its fares are displayed on the meta search giant.


The carrier is concerned that its fares are only shown in search results via its existing deal with online travel agency Orbitz Worldwide.


Travolution has learned that American Airlines will end its relationship with Kayak on 1 August unless concessions are made.


Silicon Valley investment site Techcrunch said last week a decision has already been made and that the partnership between AA and OWW is now also under threat.


A Kayak spokesperson told Travolution: “At Kayak.com, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive and objective display to our users.


“We’re unwilling to amend this pro-consumer philosophy that is the core of our business by suppressing results based on a partner’s request.”


The row follows news last week that OWW has an exclusive deal with Kayak to be the only provider of air content from online travel agencies in the US.