Orbitz.com and ebookers.com become MSN travel providers

Orbitz.com and ebookers.com content and offerings will be available to all MSN travel customers – including bookings for air, cars, cruises, hotels, and vacation packages.

Launched on July 1, U.S. customers of MSN Travel States will enjoy the benefit of Orbitz.com’s ‘Price Assurance’ service, which provides a refund the difference in airfare cost or travelers should another Orbitz customer books the same itinerary at a lower price. These customers will also benefit an innovative service known as OrbitzTLC, which alerts customers with updated trip information, via email, message, or phone.

U.K. customers of MSN Travel can take advantage of ebookers.com’s ‘Price Guarantee,’ which provides a refund if a customer finds a better price elsewhere. U.K. customers will also benefit from a wide range of world-wide accommodation choice, with many hotels discounted up to 60%.

Microsoft is planning to integrate additional content from newly-acquired Live Search Farecast’s search engine on the MSN Travel website as well.

“Our partnership with MSN will provide additional visibility and traffic to both Orbitz.com and ebookers.com, strengthening growth in both the United States and the United Kingdom,” noted Steve Barnhart, Orbitz Worldwide CEO and president. “As one of the largest Internet destinations in the world, MSN represents another significant win for growing our co-branded distribution.”

Orbitz Worldwide powers travel bookings for general interest, airline and hotel websites.

“Orbitz provides an excellent online experience for its customers and has unique customer-focused services,” said John Russell, senior channel manager for MSN Travel. “Microsoft is committed to delivering innovative features that help our MSN Travel customers make smarter decisions, and the integration of Orbitz’s technology is another step toward fulfilling that commitment.”

www.travel.msn.com