Kayak

Leading global travel metasearch engine and one of the top travel planning platforms

KAYAK is a comprehensive travel search engine that operates as a subsidiary of Booking Holdings Inc. (formerly Priceline Group). Founded in 2004, KAYAK revolutionized online travel shopping by aggregating search results from hundreds of travel sites, including airlines, hotels, rental car companies, and online travel agencies, allowing users to compare prices and options in one place. The platform processes billions of queries annually across its website and mobile apps, serving millions of travelers worldwide. KAYAK's technology enables users to search for flights, hotels, rental cars, vacation packages, and travel deals through a user-friendly interface that includes features like price alerts, flexible date searches, and price forecasts. The company operates localized versions of its site in over 60 countries and 30 languages. While KAYAK generates revenue primarily through advertising and referral fees when users click through to partner sites to complete bookings, it also offers direct booking capabilities for certain travel products. As part of Booking Holdings' portfolio since its acquisition in 2013 for $1.8 billion, KAYAK continues to operate as a distinct brand and maintains its position as one of the leading travel metasearch platforms globally. The company competes in the travel technology space rather than traditional AdTech, though it utilizes sophisticated advertising technology to monetize its high-intent travel search traffic through sponsored listings, display advertising, and performance marketing partnerships with travel suppliers and online travel agencies.