High-tech takeoff: All of Delta's mainline aircraft have WiFi. Credit: Cubbie Vegas.
By Mark Chesnut
Not everyone wants to stay connected when they’re in the air. But for those who do want to surf the Web while flying, the highly inconsistent connectivity offered today can be a bit frustrating. To help you sort out who offers what and when, here’s a roundup of the latest onboard WiFi offerings. (more…)
By Valerie Moloney
It’s hard to imagine the world without those instantaneous social feeds, but this new tool moves the mobile experience to a whole other echelon. Say hello to Orbitz Mobile Steals, exclusive, mobile-only discounts of up to 50% on select hotels worldwide. Available across all mobile channels, including the mobile site and via free, downloadable apps for iPhone, Android and iPad, these hotel deals trot the globe, from Miami Beach to London, and can be booked for same-day or future travel.
A tool that moves as fast as you do: Introducing Orbitz Mobile Steals, savings of up to 50% on hotels worldwide.
The beauty of the Steals: Searches can be saved between devices as long as the user logs in. So if you start your search on a desktop, you can complete the booking from a mobile device later. (more…)
Unfl-app-able: Use these recommended apps to save yourself time at the airport: Credit: joiseyshowaa.
By Mark Chesnut
No one likes to waste time in airports. Whether you’re desperately trying to find the shortest way to get to your next flight, or the best place to get “real” food, here are a few free apps that can help you better navigate the concourse on your next trip. (more…)
On-site assistance: the mobile version of Basecamp.
By Mark Chesnut
In August, Orbitz for Business — the corporate travel brand of Orbitz Worldwide — introduced Orbitz for Business Meetings, a new booking channel developed in conjunction with StarCite, a leading provider of Web-based solutions to manage corporate meetings and events.
But, as good as it feels to tout the latest business-oriented developments fresh from the Orbitz umbrella, there are lots of other great tech devices — including apps, programs and gizmos — that can also help make that next meeting go more smoothly. Here are a few of the best. (more…)
Fast forward: Check-in kiosks at the Yotel in New York City.
By Mark Chesnut
Whether you’re heading out on business or enjoying a Europe vacation or New York vacation, you’re more likely than ever to find technology playing a role in making your hotel stay go smoothly. But looking to the airline industry may provide the clearest vision of how hotels will operate in the future.
As with seemingly every aspect of modern life, smartphones are an increasingly helpful resource during hotel stays. Ritz-Carlton, for example, now offers its World Concierge service on Foursquare, the location-based mobile program. Using a smartphone, travelers can now check into locations and landmarks in 25 countries for tips provided by Ritz-Carlton concierge staff from all 75 Ritz-Carlton properties. (more…)
By Orbitz staff
Simple, powerful, fast and fun. The free Orbitz app designed just for the iPad lets you shop and book hotels effortlessly — on the couch or on the go. It delivers a vast selection of hotels, powerful comparison tools and secure booking in just 3 taps. And you can do it all within the vivid, friendly interface of the iPad, from the comfort of your … well, anywhere.
Book your next vacation in 3 simple taps on the iPad.
Credit: Neil Boothman.
By Joe Brancatelli
The long and winding road to in-flight WiFi still seems to end well short of profit for both the airlines and the sponsors of the service. But there are definitely some signs of life. After essentially running out of legacy-carrier aircraft to add to its network (United, Continental, US Airways and American have all stopped adding planes), Gogo Internet has received an additional commitment from its prime customer, Delta Air Lines. Delta has already wired about 550 of its mainline jets and has committed to adding WiFi to 233 regional jets, too. Delta says it will wire all of those Delta Connection planes by the end of 2011. Delta says that’ll make about 80 percent of its total fleet WiFi compatible.
By Jeanenne Tornatore
How many times have you opened an email touting a great travel deal, only to forget to take advantage of it after reading the dozens of other new emails in your inbox? According to Hotmail, the average person receives more than 200 email messages per week (outside of work). And until now, most HTML emails have required you to click out of an email and go to the sender’s website to take advantage of an offer – something most of us intend to do once we finish checking our emails.
By Joe Brancatelli
Southwest Airlines has priced its new in-flight Internet service: $5 USD per flight, regardless of length of the trip or the device used. Southwest uses an Internet service called Row 44 and the airline says it’ll have 60 aircraft wired by the end of the year. All other U.S. airlines use an inflight WiFi product called Gogo and prices range as high as $12.95 per flight.
By Nina Kokotas Hahn
On Friday, Nov. 12, Orbitz launched its free mobile app for iPhone and Android, and with it, a new and exciting way to search, book and travel on the go. A travel powerhouse for mobile devices, the new Orbitz app lets you book flights, hotels, and rental cars; view your trips and flight status; and even find nearby hotels using your phone’s GPS system. Plus, app users still get the benefits of booking with Orbitz, like Price Assurance, secure booking and 24/7 assistance.
We love to travel, and we love to talk about it. The Orbitz Blog is another way we can share our expertise, advice and the occasional random thought.
Check back often for fresh insight from Orbitz staff and contributors about cool places to visit, fun things to do and smart ways to save.