Pilot challenges OTAs with launch of in-app booking

▤ Summary

Pilot launched an in-app booking tool that lets users book stays directly within its free trip planner app, offering discounted rates and instant confirmation with properties. The feature entered a soft launch in late November after gaining approval as a booking option within Google Travel and gives access to about 3.2 million hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. Pilot remains free, supported by optional contributions and its paid Pilot Retreats service, and serves over 40,000 users with itinerary building and AI discovery tools. The company positions the new booking capability as a response to traveler frustration with major OTAs and emphasizes collaboration, centralization, and simplicity in its product design.

▦ Linked Companies

Google LLC

$100M to $250M