Online travel agencies and metasearch engines facilitate air travel reservations through intermediary platforms. For example, a traveler can compare prices and schedules from various airlines on a single website and complete the booking process, even though the ticket is ultimately issued by the airline itself. This approach contrasts with direct booking through an airline’s website.
The ability to compare offerings from multiple airlines empowers travelers to make informed decisions, potentially saving money and time. This aggregation of information has revolutionized the travel industry, providing greater transparency and choice for consumers. Historically, travelers relied on travel agents or individual airline websites, a less convenient and often more expensive process.
