Articles Related to online travel

USA Interactive Inc. Wednesday announced it would acquire the outstanding shares of subsidiary Expedia Inc. for US$3.3 billion, giving it full ownership of the online travel booking company. New York-based USA Interactive already owns 54 percent of Expedia's outstanding stock.

Down-to-earth airfares may be taking off with the launch Monday of Orbitz LLC, a travel site operated by five major airlines. Competitors Travelocity.com Inc. and Expedia Inc. say they don't fear the new rival, but join some consumer groups who hope Orbitz won't get off the ground, warning of possible antitrust practices and eventual higher prices.

Despite the antitrust cries of consumer groups and competitors, the Web's newest online travel site is ready for liftoff, touting server technology as its strategic advantage.