MakeMyTrip launches social media app, Tripalong

The newly launched application will integrate with the users' social networks and map their travel itinerary to connect with friends while travelling.

Online travel portal MakeMyTrip has launched a social media application for its users, called Tripalong. The app integrates with the user's social networks and maps his/her travel itinerary to help connect with friends while travelling.

Tripalong allows users to register on www.Tripalong.in. The users' Tripalong account can be linked with the LinkedIn and/or Facebook accounts, which will provide access to their friends already on Tripalong. Upon adding flight schedule (date of travel and route), the application auto-prompts the user for airline detail and departure time. It then shares details of friends registered on Tripalong, who may be travelling on the same flight, or be at the same airport, with an opportunity to 'intersect'. Friends can then choose to connect offline and check-in together to get a seat next to each other or meet at the airport.

Speaking at the launch, Keyur Joshi, COO and co-founder, MakeMyTrip, says, "Tripalong will enhance the 'fun' quotient of your travel experiences. A unique platform to engage with old friends and meet new people, Tripalong extends our brand promise of creating Memories Unlimited!"

The app was conceptualised and developed in association with TenTenTen Digital Products, a company that is involved in building social apps. Ramesh Srivats, managing director and CEO, TenTenTen Digital Products, says, "Social networks are more than just new 'media'. They have changed the very way in which people interact with each other. So, there's no point in using them as yet another channel to pump brand messages. In fact, in this world, brands are built by actions, not words. Tripalong leverages the customer's own networks to make his or her travel a lot more fun."

Tripalong also updates users on friends who are in the same city they are travelling to. In addition, whenever a user adds flight details, he/she is also able to see other registered Tripalong members on the same flight, along with their brief profiles. The user can choose to send an invite to connect with any of them. Once the invite is accepted, users can plan their interaction off-line or via e-mail. Tripalong also enables users to notify members in their social network of their itinerary. Members can share flight details on Tripalong irrespective of where they have purchased their ticket.

Addressing the security aspect, the privacy settings and networks/groups are auto-imported from Facebook or LinkedIn - thus only other Tripalong members and the friends or social connections who the user wants to connect with, are privy to their travel information.