Google May Release Travel Search Product Following ITA Acquisition

Back in April, Google's GOOG acquisition of software airfare company ITA was approved by the Department of Justice. The purchase cost Google $700 million, but gave the internet giant access to powerful software used by companies such as Expedia EXPE and Kayak. According to Tech Crunch, Google has made it clear that it will use ITA's data to create new flight search tools. Tech Crunch writes, "One feature that we've heard is in development is a map-based search tool that will show flight prices from destinations. It's similar to Kayak's Explore feature." Still, Google will be required to continue to license ITA's software to airfare websites, as per the orders of the DOJ. Yet, with Google maps and ITA's software, Google may be able to create some powerful tools for traveling users.