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OpenAI Shifts Bookings to Third-Party Apps, Stocks Surge

3/6/2026

34 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

OpenAI has stopped direct bookings on ChatGPT and now routes transactions through third-party apps.
Expedia shares jumped 13% and Booking.com rose 8% in response to the shift.
TD Cowen analysts say the move represents a material retreat by OpenAI, noting users favor established OTAs for bookings.
OpenAI aims to avoid the complexities of payments and customer service, which are hard for an AI-focused business.

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Story summary

OpenAI has stopped direct bookings on ChatGPT and now routes transactions through third-party apps.
Expedia shares jumped 13% and Booking.com rose 8% in response to the shift.
TD Cowen analysts say the move represents a material retreat by OpenAI, noting users favor established OTAs for bookings.
OpenAI aims to avoid the complexities of payments and customer service, which are hard for an AI-focused business.