Orbitz Unveils Powerful New Mobile Website and Introduces New "Mobile Steals" Program Offering Discounted Mobile-only Rates on Hotels

CHICAGO, Dec. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Orbitz today unveiled a faster, more powerful version of its mobile website http://m.orbitz.com that makes it easy for travelers to search for and book hotel rooms, airline tickets and car rentals from any web-enabled mobile phone. Furthermore, in a capability unique to Orbitz.com and Orbitz Worldwide brands, the upgraded mobile website allows customers to book vacation packages.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111212/CG20716)

Orbitz today also launched Orbitz "Mobile Steals," exclusive, mobile-only discounts of up to 50% on hotels worldwide.  Orbitz "Mobile Steals" are available across all mobile channels, including the optimized mobile website and the latest versions of the Orbitz iPad, iPhone and Android apps.

The relaunched Orbitz mobile website gives customers an intuitive search-and-book experience designed from the ground up for mobile web-enabled devices including iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Windows 7.  Key features of the relaunched mobile website include:

• Search and book vacation packages and see package savings when booking airline and hotel together
• Use intuitive swiping gestures to browse photos
• Read reviews from other travelers; filter by traveler type
• Find hotels near a customer's current location

"The relaunched Orbitz mobile website delivers groundbreaking features designed from the ground up for mobile web-enabled devices including intuitive swiping gestures and the ability to use your smartphone to search for and book vacation packages," said Chris Orton, president of Orbitz.com.  "65% of Orbitz hotel reservations made through mobile channels are for same day stays versus 14% for reservations made through a traditional desktop browser.  Through the new Orbitz "Mobile Steals" program we are able to offer deeply discounted mobile-only rates that hotel suppliers are only willing to make available through the mobile channel in order to help fill unsold rooms."

Orbitz "Mobile Steals" are available to consumers using the Orbitz mobile website and the range of Orbitz apps for iPad, iPhone and Android. Travelers can now tap into mobile-only rates in over 50 cities around the world including New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Honolulu, San Diego, Tampa and Washington DC domestically, and London, Paris and Dublin internationally.

To access these special, mobile-only savings, download or upgrade to the latest version of the Orbitz iPad, iPhone and Android apps or visit the mobile website at http://m.orbitz.com, and look for special promotion text when doing a hotel search.  

Orbitz mobile products deliver the same value that customers have come to expect when booking on Orbitz.com, including:

• Automatic Price Assurance refunds -- If another Orbitz customer books the same prepaid hotel room or flight for less, Orbitz will send a check for the difference automatically
• Enhanced Low Price Guarantee -- Orbitz customers who find their same prepaid hotel room or flight for a lower price online can receive a refund for the difference and a $50 discount on a future hotel booking
• No Orbitz fees on hotel cancellations or changes

About Orbitz.com

Orbitz.com is a leading online travel company that enables travelers to search for and book an array of travel products and services, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages. Since launching its Web site in June 2001, Orbitz.com has become one of the largest online travel sites in the world and has led the industry with innovations including the Orbitz Matrix Display and Orbitz Price Assurance. The Matrix Display revolutionized the way the travel industry displayed fares and makes it quick and easy for consumers to compare flights, rental cars and vacation packages. The Price Assurance program gives travelers confidence that they have the lowest Orbitz price on their flight or hotel.  With Price Assurance, if another Orbitz customer books the same flight or prepaid hotel for less, we'll send you a check for the difference -- automatically.  Orbitz.com also offers "Insider Steals" a weekly, members-only flash sale that provides exclusive deals of 50% or more off of handpicked hotels in top destinations around the world.  On Orbitz.com consumers can search a broad range of suppliers worldwide.  Orbitz.com is owned by Orbitz Worldwide. Stay connected to Orbitz.com with sale alerts, exclusive promotions and engaging conversations by following Orbitz on Facebook, Twitter and the Orbitz Travel Blog.

SOURCE Orbitz.com