In the ever-evolving world of online travel booking, Hipmunk stood out as a game-changer.
But as of January 23, 2020, this beloved platform is bidding farewell to its users.
Let’s dive into Hipmunk’s journey, its impact on the travel industry, and what this means for frequent flyers.
The Birth of a Travel Revolution
Founded in 2010, Hipmunk brought a fresh perspective to travel search.
While giants like Kayak and Google Flights dominated the scene, Hipmunk carved out its niche with a user-friendly interface and innovative features.
The “Agony” Factor: A New Way to Sort Flights
Hipmunk’s standout feature was its unique “agony” sorting system. Instead of just listing flights by price, Hipmunk considered a combination of the following:
- Price
- Flight duration
- Number of stops
This approach resonated with travelers who valued convenience as much as cost.
As Adam Goldstein, Hipmunk’s co-founder, put it:
“We believed that most frequent travelers were willing to spend a little bit more to take a more convenient flight.”
Why Hipmunk Won Hearts?
- User-friendly interface: Easy-to-read layouts made flight comparison a breeze.
- Innovative sorting: The “agony” feature helped users find the best balance of price and convenience.
- Visual appeal: Hipmunk’s cute chipmunk mascot added a notion to travel planning.
The Sunset of a Travel Star
Despite its loyal following, Hipmunk is closing shop. SAP Concur, which acquired Hipmunk in 2016, announced the shutdown.
Interestingly, Hipmunk’s founders reportedly tried to buy back the company, but their offer was declined.
What This Means for Users?
- Existing reservations will be honored by airlines and hotels.
- After January 23, users won’t be able to access their Hipmunk accounts.
- Hipmunk and Concur Hipmunk (a business travel tool) are shutting down.
Life After Hipmunk: Where to Turn?
Google Flights offers a similar concept for those who’ll miss Hipmunk’s “agony” feature.
Their “best-departing flights” option considers duration, stops, and airport changes during layovers.
Other alternatives include:
- Kayak
- Skyscanner
- Momondo
However, they need to capture Hipmunk’s unique charm and user-centric approach.
The Legacy Lives On
While Hipmunk may be departing, its impact on the travel industry is undeniable.
It showed that travelers value more than just the cheapest option – they want a balance of price, convenience, and user experience.
As we bid farewell to Hipmunk, let’s appreciate how it changed our thoughts about travel booking.
Its innovative approach pushed the industry forward, benefiting travelers even on platforms that will outlive it.
So, the next time you book a flight and see options sorted by convenience and price, remember – that’s the Hipmunk legacy in action.
