The icon stands for SideStep, a bit of software I accepted when I recently visited the USAirways site to make reservations. SideStep does what its name implies. When you click on it, the regular screen slips to one side and allows the SideStep prompt to open. From there, you can search for the best fares on airlines, hotels and cars. The software allows you to personalize the information with a listing of discounts you receive, such as AAA, and a preference for cars or hotels and your home airport.
Searches are quick.
So far, it doesn't ask for credit card numbers. When you search through SideStep and find what you want, you are linked directly to that airline or hotel or rental car company's site. SideStep makes its money by selling these companies the technology to get them in front of potential customers. It promises the airlines they can dump the powerful Sabre booking company, which handles three- fourths of all travel reservations, according to published reports. The software works only on Internet Explorer 4 or 5, although a Netscape version is in the works, as is one for Macs.