Expedia.com launched TripAssist powered by Expedia, a free iPhone and iPod Touch application that links to the new Expedia mobile website, enabling travelers to manage their itineraries from their mobile phones. TripAssist is available for free from the App Store at itunes.com/appstore.

TripAssist powered by Expedia serves as a full-service companion to modern travelers. They can research flights, destinations, hotels, cars and activities from anywhere. Once they book, they can manage and update their itineraries as circumstances dictate - find an alternative flight, research their seats via SeatGuru seat maps, access real-time flight status and more. Unlike other travel apps, TripAssist provides real-time SMS and email updates free of charge, making the Expedia app unique in an industry rife with niche paid apps and petty service fees.

"Travel, by definition, is a mobile endeavor – you get up and go. Now, Expedia can travel with you," said Tim MacDonald, senior vice president and general manager, Expedia.com. "TripAssist is the latest example of how Expedia.com is the easiest place to book your travel."

TripAssist makes it simple to view and update travel plans, no matter where they were booked. Users can automatically sync an itinerary from their Expedia.com account, or create and add a new itinerary if booked elsewhere. TripAssist features easy access to travel information when it's needed. For example, after travelers have landed at their destination, the app will automatically provide easy access to their hotel information, including its address, to help them on their way. And while users are in the app, Expedia.com customer service support is accessible with a single keypad touch. Travelers can also use the app to track the flight status of friends and family, simplifying airport pickups.

In addition to the iPhone and iPod Touch app, Expedia has also optimized its site for most mobile phone browsers, including those on iPhone, Blackberry, Android and Windows phones. Users will be able to shop and book flights, hotels, cars and activities via a streamlined, easy-to-navigate interface perfect for small screens and phone-based web browsers. Expedia.com estimates that approximately 55,000 trips were booked via smartphone browsers using the full Expedia.com site in 2009, and expects this number to grow with the mobile-optimized web interface.