Skift

Episode Notes Expedia Group terminated its relationship on Wednesday with online travel agency Hopper over practices that Expedia considers anti-consumer, reports Executive Editor Dennis Schaal.  Expedia had supplied rival Hopper with hotel and short-term rental inventory for several years. An Expedia spokesperson said the company cut ties with Hopper because it believes Hopper’s content confuses customers, leading them to purchase services they neither need nor completely understand. Schaal notes Expedia also has a competitive motive for terminating the relationship. Hopper is considered the third largest online travel agency in North America behind Expedia and Booking.  Schaal writes it’s unclear how Expedia’s decision will impact Hopper. A Hopper spokesperson said Expedia’s move to end their relationship wouldn’t affect Hopper, adding that Expedia was one participant among many in Hopper’s marketplace. Schaal notes that Expedia might be supplying close to half of Hopper’s hotels.  Next, three airlines — Am