First read is on us.

Subscribe today to keep up with the latest travel industry news.

Kayak adds fare forecasts to flight results, tells you if you should buy now or wait


Skift Take

It was a great idea when Farecast did it in 2006. Did Kayak wait so long because it didn't want to appear to be a mere follower?

Kayak added fare forecasts to its flight-search results -- more than six years after Farecast, acquired by Bing in 2008, introduced the concept.

When you conduct a flight search on Kayak's global sites Kayak now predicts whether the fare will rise or fall within the next seven days, and its level of confidence in the prediction.

Of the new tool, Giorgos Zacharia, Kayak's chief scientist, says:

Our algorithm incorporates data from multiple faring and availability providers across the over one billion annual queries performed on KAYAK sites and mobile apps. As we continue to collect data and test the algorithm, the forecast accuracy will continue to improve.

Along with the advice on whether to book now or wait, Kayak, like Bing, also provides a chart on the fare trends for that flight over the previous 90 days.

Since flights tend to rise as the departure date draws near -- particularly in this era of diminished capacity -- some might consider Kayak's new fare predictions as just another sales tool in its arsenal.

And, it's nice to have some data to reinforce the pitch.

Up Next

Airlines

How Airlines are Redefining Premium Travel with Customizable and Personalized Experiences

As the airline industry adapts to evolving traveler expectations, premium cabins coupled with personalized experiences have become essential tools for driving loyalty and revenue. Airlines are turning to digital innovation and sustainable practices to redefine the premium travel experience and meet the needs of diverse customers.
Sponsored
Airlines

Trump Ousts TSA Administrator

In one of the first moves of his second term, President Donald Trump fired TSA administrator David Pekoske, who he had first nominated in 2017.