In a surprising turn of events, Hipmunk, the beloved travel comparison and booking site known for its innovative “agony” feature, is set to cease operations on January 23, 2020.
This announcement has left many frequent travelers scrambling to find alternatives that can match Hipmunk’s unique approach to flight sorting.
The Rise and Fall of Hipmunk
Founded in 2010, Hipmunk quickly gained a loyal following among savvy travelers.
Its standout feature was the ability to sort flights not just by price, but by a combination of factors including duration and number of stops.
This holistic approach, dubbed the “agony” rating, resonated with users who valued convenience as much as cost-effectiveness.
Four years ago, SAP Concur acquired Hipmunk, seemingly securing its future.
However, recent developments have led to the decision to shut down both Hipmunk and its business-oriented counterpart, Concur Hipmunk.
The “Agony” of Saying Goodbye
Maggie Fuller, an associate editor at AFAR, shared her fondness for the platform: “I have deep love for Hipmunk and have been a loyal fan since the site’s early days.”
She praised the site’s user-friendly interface and its unique flight sorting system.
The “agony” feature was the brainchild of Hipmunk’s cofounders, Adam Goldstein and Steve Huffman.
Goldstein revealed in a 2018 opinion piece that the feature was initially going to be called “suckage” before being wisely renamed just before launch.
What’s Next for Hipmunk Users?
With the impending shutdown, Hipmunk users are left wondering about their existing reservations and future travel plans. Here’s what you need to know:
- Existing Reservations: All current bookings will be honored by the respective travel providers.
- Account Access: After January 23, users will no longer be able to access their Hipmunk accounts.
- Alternatives: For those seeking a similar “agony” feature, Google Flights offers a comparable “best departing flights” option.
The Legacy of Hipmunk
Hipmunk’s innovative approach to flight sorting has left an indelible mark on the travel industry.
Its influence can be seen in the features now offered by competitors like Google Flights, which provides a selection of “best departing flights” based on a combination of price and convenience factors.
As we bid farewell to Hipmunk, travelers are reminded of the constant evolution in the digital travel landscape.
While the loss of this pioneering platform is undoubtedly disappointing for its loyal users, it serves as a testament to Hipmunk’s impact on how we search for and book travel.
The closure of Hipmunk marks the end of an era in travel booking, but its legacy of user-centric innovation is likely to influence the industry for years to come.
