Toxic management and US colonialist mindset - Anonymous employee KAYAK Employee Review

2.0
Mar 19, 2021
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great office, good work-life balance, good bonuses, and classic startup perks like free snacks to make you forget that you're being exploited for the benefit of C-level executives and shareholders.

Cons

Middle managers tend to be absolutely clueless because they're promoted depending on how well they hit it off with their superiors rather than based on skill or knowledge. Having carried out several mass layoffs without a warning, the culture is one of fear, uncertainty, and never knowing if your whole team is going to be fired the next day. They pay lip service to "diversity" and "inclusivity", but for them that only means "Americans of different skin shades". Employees from other cultures are forced to adapt to American standards or face disciplinary action, and they have absolutely no qualms getting rid of marginalized or vulnerable minority employees such as disabled folk. In short, only recommended if you're a straight Anglo dude who can shout his way to the top.

Explore other reviews about KAYAK

5.0
Jul 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Incredibly helpful team members Very genuine people Geographic diversity Work-life balance is understood and appreciated Supportive culture

Cons

Compensation could be more competitive Lots of internal systems to navigate (but it's getting better) Limited racial diversity, at least on the Commercial teams

5.0
Jun 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Super smart team to learn from and very welcoming people - All voices are heard and ideas can be elevated and tested - Positive environment where many people have been with the company a long time and truly care about its success - Sporadic work travel and offsites - Free lunch in office 2 days a week and bagels, snacks, and drinks all the time - In office gym - Parking commuter benefit

Cons

- Reporting tool is specific to the company and can be a bit of a learning curve to figure out, but again, there are really great people to help you! - Multiple offices throughout the world, where team members are spread across or fully remote, so its rare that the entire team would be in one office together for collaboration - No train commuter benefit to coincide with parking benefit

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All