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GDPR Compliance Risk

Kayak is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.

Kayak logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Kayak

🇺🇸Booking Holdings · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Kayak is a travel search engine that allows users to compare prices on flights, hotels, and car rentals from various travel providers. It aggregates options based on user preferences, enabling efficient planning and booking. Users can filter results by price, duration, and other criteria for a tailored experience.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Kayak

Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Kayak has become a significant legal risk for EU organizations. The US CLOUD Act gives American authorities the power to access data held by US companies, regardless of where that data is physically stored — even if it's in an EU data center.

While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) adopted in 2023 provides a new legal basis for transfers, privacy experts and legal scholars have raised concerns about its long-term viability. The framework could face the same fate as its predecessors (Safe Harbor and Privacy Shield), both of which were struck down by the Court of Justice of the EU.

For organizations that want to eliminate compliance risk entirely, switching to a European-based travel & booking is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Kayak, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Kayak, even if servers are located in Europe.

GDPR Fine Risk

Non-compliant data transfers can result in fines up to 4% of annual global revenue under GDPR Article 83.

EU Alternative Available

1 GDPR-compliant European alternative available with full EU data residency.

1 GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Kayak

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Booking logo

Booking

🇳🇱

by Booking

Booking.com is a comprehensive travel and booking platform based in the Netherlands, designed to make travel planning seamless and efficient. It offers a wide array of accommodations, from hotels and apartments to unique stays, all accessible through an intuitive interface. Key features include flexible cancellation policies, ensuring peace of mind for travelers, and a price match guarantee that ensures competitive pricing. Users can benefit from genuine reviews and ratings, helping them make informed decisions. The platform supports multiple languages, catering to a global audience, and provides instant booking confirmations for a hassle-free experience. The mobile app enhances convenience with offline access and customizable search filters, allowing users to tailor their search to specific needs. Booking.com is ideal for travelers seeking a reliable and user-friendly booking experience, whether for leisure or business. Privacy and security are prioritized, with GDPR-compliant data handling and EU-based data hosting, ensuring users' information is protected under stringent European regulations. While the platform primarily operates on a commission-based model, users can enjoy the benefits of competitive pricing and a wide range of options without upfront costs.

EU-BasedGDPR CompliantEU-hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●

Why switch?

  • Flexible cancellation policies allow free changes up to 24 hours before check-in.
  • Price match guarantee ensures you get the lowest price available.
  • User-generated reviews provide real experiences from travelers.

Consider

  • Migration may require re-entering personal details and preferences.
  • Missing Kayak's Hacker fares feature for unique flight combinations.
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Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Kayak
United StatesNoPartialNofree
🇳🇱BookingNLYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kayak GDPR compliant?

Kayak is a US-based service operated by Booking Holdings. While it may have some GDPR compliance measures, as a US company it is subject to the CLOUD Act, which allows US authorities to access data stored by US companies regardless of where the data is physically located. This creates a fundamental conflict with GDPR requirements for data protection.

What are the GDPR risks of using Kayak?

The main GDPR risks include: (1) Data transfers to the US may lack adequate protection since the Schrems II ruling invalidated Privacy Shield, (2) US authorities can demand access under the CLOUD Act, (3) Your organization may face GDPR fines up to 4% of annual revenue for non-compliant data transfers, and (4) User consent may not be sufficient to legitimize transfers given the systematic access by US authorities.

What are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Kayak?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Kayak include Booking. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

How do I migrate from Kayak to a GDPR-compliant alternative?

Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Kayak using their data export tools, (2) Create an account with your chosen EU alternative, and (3) Import your data into the new service. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative to make the switch as smooth as possible.

Can EU companies legally use Kayak?

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Kayak. While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (2023) provides a new legal basis, its long-term stability is uncertain. Many EU data protection authorities recommend using EU-based alternatives to avoid compliance risks entirely.

Other GDPR Alternatives in Travel & Booking

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Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 29, 2026