Skift Originals

From outward appearance, Expedia's new Traveler Preference program introduces more choice and appears to be a great thing for hotel guests.

Stephen Kaufer isn't going to be the most popular guy on Wall Street, but TripAdvisor's attempt to crunch user data and pour money into Facebook marketing to get better conversions for advertising partners, looks like a sage move. If analysts, looking for immediate results, don't like it, they can always write a review.

Bag fees are not against Southwest's religion and, with the acquisition of checked-bag-fee charging AirTran, management is undoubtedly mulling whether to see the green light.

Hipmunk business class is a smart move, although the company will find out that business travel is more than a few features and isn't "easy."

The whole world -- the travel tech world, that is -- is watching as Kayak takes its shot on the first day of going public. The market will have its say and make its ultimate verdict over the long term.

After getting slapped on the wrist by UK regulatory authorities regarding the trustworthiness of its reviews, and being subjected to adverse press reports, TripAdvisor is anxious to portray its tourism status as a solid citizen. Of course 25% of TripAdvisor users stay longer at hotels than other travelers -- it takes time to pack and write all those reviews before heading out to the next destination.

Travelzoo -- like almost everyone else -- is facing competitive pressures in the deals arena so it is looking for new revenue streams from hotels, and is seeking to manufacture some momentum through increased marketing spend.

You'd think Kayak might take a more conservative approach on pricing after the Facebook swoon, but a cork-popping $1 billion valuation maybe within Kayak's grasp and it has waited so long for this day.

Not a bad idea by OpenTravel, although it would be ironic if co-sponsor Sabre imparts advice to startups when it has tried to crush at least a couple that stood in its way.

Wanderable's travel-gift registry for honeymooners may be just the ticket: There is a market for newlyweds wanting to travel a different path.