15 Expedia Booking Hacks: The Ultimate List of Tips and Tricks

Looking to score massive discounts and perks when booking with Expedia? Whether planning a dream vacation or a quick getaway, there are many ways to stretch your travel budget with a few intelligent hacks. At Dealhack, we’re all about finding the best deals, and Expedia is no exception. In this guide, you’ll learn how to unlock the ultimate savings and hidden perks on your next Expedia booking!

In this post, you'll learn:

• Insider tricks to save money on Expedia

• How to maximize rewards and perks

• The best times to book for huge discounts

• Simple ways to get free upgrades and extras

1. Use the Expedia App for Exclusive Discounts

Why Expedia’s App is a Game Changer

Expedia’s mobile app is your key to unlocking discounts you won’t find anywhere else. Many users don’t realize that Expedia offers up to 30% off select hotels exclusively through its app. It’s the perfect tool for last-minute bookings or if you’re a frequent traveler who's always on the go.

How to Access App-Only Deals:

• Download the Expedia app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

• Search for hotels and look for properties labeled “Mobile-Exclusive Deals.”

• Book directly through the app for instant savings.

Benefits Beyond Discounts

In addition to exclusive rates, the app provides handy features like:

• Flight and Hotel Tracking: Stay updated on delays or itinerary changes.

• Offline Itineraries: Access your travel info without Wi-Fi perfectly when abroad.

• Mobile-Only Flash Sales: Get alerts for limited-time discounts on travel packages.

Pro Tip: Turn on notifications in the app to be the first to know about flash sales and last-minute deals.

2. Bundle Your Trip for Maximum Savings

Why Bundling is a Winning Strategy

If booking your flight and hotel separately, you’re missing out on Expedia’s best-kept secret: Vacation Packages. By bundling your flight, hotel, and car rental together, you can save up to 15% or more on your total trip cost.

How to Maximize Your Bundle:

• Compare Package vs. Separate Prices: Sometimes packages aren’t always cheaper, so compare the combined price with individual bookings.

• Include Car Rentals: Adding a rental car to your flight and hotel bundle often reduces the overall price, and even if you don’t need the vehicle, the savings might still make it worth including.

• Look for Package-Exclusive Hotels: Some hotels only offer discounts when booked as part of a package. Keep an eye out for “Package Deal” labels when searching.

The Downside of Bundling

While bundling offers incredible savings, there are some drawbacks:

• Limited Flexibility: Changing one part of your trip (like the flight) can complicate things once you've bundled.

• Upfront Costs: You may have to pay for everything at once, which can be costly if you're unprepared.

Pro Tip: If you plan to change your trip, understand the modification and cancellation policies for bundled deals.

3. Set Price Alerts for Major Savings

The Power of Price Monitoring

Expedia’s Price Alerts feature helps you snag the best price by monitoring flight and hotel rates. Instead of constantly refreshing the page and watching rates fluctuate, let Expedia do the work for you.

How to Set Up Price Alerts:

• Pick Your Dates: Choose a flexible date range to increase your chances of finding a deal.

• Set Your Alert: Once you select your travel dates, activate the price alert for that specific destination and timeframe.

• Wait for Notifications: Expedia will notify you via email or push notification if the price drops.

Best Times to Set Price Alerts:

• 3-4 Months in Advance for Flights: Most experts agree that the sweet spot for booking domestic flights is about 70-100 days out.

• Within 30 Days for Hotels: Hotels often offer better last-minute deals within 30 days of check-in to fill vacant rooms.

Pro Tip: Be flexible with your dates. Expedia’s system works best if you’re open to traveling a day earlier or later than planned.

4. Join Expedia Rewards for Points and Perks

What is Expedia Rewards?

Expedia Rewards is a free loyalty program that allows you to earn points on every booking. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future travel, free nights, and VIP perks.

How to Earn and Redeem Expedia Rewards Points:

• Book Flights, Hotels, and Activities: Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on hotels and activities. Flights earn 1 point per $5 spent.

• Double Your Points with the Expedia App: When you book via the app, you earn double points of 4 points per dollar on hotels and activities!

• Redeem for Discounts: Use your points for instant savings on hotel bookings or flights. Every 140 points is worth $1 off.

Expedia Rewards Tiers and Perks:

Expedia Rewards has three tiers: Blue, Silver, and Gold. Each level unlocks more perks:

• Blue (0-7,999 points): Basic points earned with no extra perks.

• Silver (8,000-14,999 points): You get complimentary breakfast at select hotels and a 10% point bonus.

• Gold (15,000+ points): Gold members enjoy perks like room upgrades, free Wi-Fi, and even access to VIP hotel amenities.

Pro Tip: Don’t let your points expire! Expedia points are valid as long as you book once every 18 months.

5. Book on the Right Day for the Best Deals

Why Timing is Crucial

Did you know Tuesday is the cheapest day to book flights, and Sunday is the best day to book hotels? Timing your booking right can save you up to 20% or more. This hack works because airlines and hotels adjust prices based on demand.

When to Book Flights:

• Domestic Flights: Book on a Tuesday for the best deals, ideally around 70-100 days before departure.

• International Flights: Book at least 6 months to score the lowest fares.

When to Book Hotels:

• Weekend Stays: Book on a Sunday for the best rates. This works because hotels are more likely to offer discounts at the end of the weekend to fill rooms for the upcoming week.

• Last-Minute Deals: Hotels often release last-minute deals if they still have vacancies. Book within 24-48 hours of your stay for the best last-minute prices.

Pro Tip: Combine this hack with Expedia’s Price Alert tool to track price drops for flights and hotels.

6. Use Expedia's 'Last-Minute Deals' for Spontaneous Trips

How Last-Minute Deals Work

Expedia’s Last-Minute Deals section is perfect for flexible travelers who can pack their bags quickly. This section features flash sales and deeply discounted travel prices that are about to expire; think of it as the clearance section for travel bookings!

What’s Included in Last-Minute Deals:

• Flights: Airlines slash prices on unsold seats to fill the plane.

• Hotels: Hotels with empty rooms offer substantial discounts to fill vacancies.

• Vacation Packages: Combine a flight and hotel for unbeatable prices on spontaneous trips.

When to Book Last-Minute Trips:

• 1-3 Days in Advance for Flights: Airlines want to fill as many seats as possible, so prices tend to drop sharply within 72 hours of departure.

• Same-Day or Next-Day for Hotels: Many hotels drop prices within 24-48 hours of check-in to avoid having empty rooms.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to use your Expedia Rewards points when booking last-minute deals for even more savings!

7. Leverage the Free Cancellation Policy

The Benefits of Free Cancellation

Worried about booking too soon? Expedia offers a free cancellation policy for many hotels and flights, giving you peace of mind. If prices drop or plans change, you can rebook at a better rate without penalty.

How to Find Free Cancellation Options:

• Use Filters: When searching for hotels or flights, apply the “Free Cancellation” filter to narrow your options.

• Double-Check Policies: Some properties may have specific cancellation windows, so constantly review the fine print to avoid surprises.

Flexibility is Key

If you book early and use free cancellation, you can lock in a reasonable rate while keeping your options open. As prices fluctuate, you can monitor for drops and rebook without hassle.

Pro Tip: Check the cancellation deadline. Some hotels require you to cancel at least 24-48 hours in advance to avoid charges.

8. Book with an Expedia Coupon Code

Where to Find Expedia Coupon Codes

Expedia regularly releases coupon codes that can reduce your total trip cost. These codes range from 10% off hotels to $50 off vacation packages. Here’s how you can stay updated:

• Dealhack’s Expedia Coupons: Visit Dealhack’s Expedia coupon page for the latest discount codes.

• Expedia Newsletter: Sign up for Expedia’s newsletter to receive exclusive offers straight to your inbox.

• Holiday Promotions: Major holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to find even better coupon codes.

How to Apply a Coupon Code:

• Select your hotel or flight, checkout, and enter the code in the “Add a Coupon” box before payment.

• Watch the price drop!

Pro Tip: Combine a coupon code with your Expedia Rewards points or cashback apps for the most significant savings.

9. Maximize Your Savings with Cashback Apps

How Cashback Apps Work

Cashback apps like Rakuten, TopCashback, and Swagbucks allow you to earn a percentage of your Expedia bookings back in cash. It’s an easy way to stack savings on top of other discounts.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Cashback Apps with Expedia:

1. Download a Cashback App: Rakuten and TopCashback are popular choices that frequently feature Expedia.

2. Activate Cashback Before Booking: Make sure to activate the cashback offer from your app before you visit Expedia’s site.

3. Complete Your Booking: Book your trip as usual, and you’ll receive cashback credited to your account within a few weeks.

Best Cashback Apps for Expedia:

Pro Tip: Always compare cashback rates across different apps to find the best offer before booking.

10. Sign Up for the Expedia+ Credit Card for Extra Perks

How the Expedia+ Credit Card Boosts Savings

The Expedia+ Credit Card offers a powerful way to earn more points, access exclusive perks, and receive extra booking discounts.

Benefits of the Expedia+ Credit Card:

• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on Expedia purchases, including flights, hotels, and vacation packages.

• Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

• VIP Access: Cardholders receive unique benefits at select hotels, including free room upgrades and VIP perks.

• Annual Travel Credit: Some cards offer a travel credit that you can apply to future bookings, further reducing costs.

Is It Worth It?

If you travel frequently, the Expedia+ Credit Card can quickly rack up rewards and perks that save you hundreds of dollars. However, consider any annual fees and compare them to other travel credit cards to see if they fit you best.

Pro Tip: Combine your Expedia+ points with coupon codes and cashback for the ultimate triple savings stack.

11. Unlock Secret Deals with Expedia Rewards Silver and Gold Status

What Are Secret Deals?

Once you reach Silver or Gold status in the Expedia Rewards program, you can access Secret Deals, exclusive rates on hotels and vacation packages. These discounts aren’t available to regular users and often offer deep savings.

How to Achieve Silver or Gold Status:

• Silver Status: Earn 8,000 points or book 7 nights in one year.

• Gold Status: Earn 15,000 points or book 15 nights in one year.

Perks of Secret Deals:

• Deep Discounts: Save up to 50% on select hotels.

• Upgraded Rooms: Get free room upgrades and amenities at VIP Access hotels.

• Priority Customer Service: Skip the line with priority customer service when booking or making changes.

Pro Tip: You don’t have to be a frequent traveler to achieve Silver status. You can accumulate points faster by booking through the Expedia app and bundling your travel.

12. Take Advantage of Expedia’s Best Price Guarantee

How Expedia’s Best Price Guarantee Works

Expedia offers a Best Price Guarantee that promises to match any lower price you find on flights, hotels, or vacation packages within 24 hours of booking. Expedia will refund you the difference if you find a lower price for the same itinerary and sometimes even offer a $50 travel coupon for the hassle.

How to File a Price Match Claim:

1. Book Your Trip: First, book your flight, hotel, or vacation package through Expedia.

2. Find a Lower Price: If you find a lower price on another website for the exact dates and accommodations, submit a claim on Expedia’s website within 24 hours.

3. Refund and Coupon: Once approved, you’ll receive a refund for the price difference and possibly a travel coupon.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on competing sites for a day or two after you book to see if you can score an additional price match.

13. Search for Flexible Dates to Save More

Why Flexible Dates Matter

You can find significantly better deals if you can be flexible with your travel dates. Expedia’s search function allows you to toggle between flexible dates to spot lower rates for flights and hotels.

How to Use Flexible Dates on Expedia:

• Search Flights or Hotels: Start your search and select “Flexible Dates” on the results page.

• Compare Rates: Expedia will show you a calendar with different rates on adjacent days, allowing you to choose the most affordable option.

Best Times to Use Flexible Dates:

• Off-Peak Travel: Traveling during off-peak times (such as mid-week or outside of major holidays) can lower prices.

• Shoulder Seasons: Booking during shoulder seasons, the period between peak and off-peak times, often provides the perfect balance between price and weather.

Pro Tip: Sometimes, shifting your trip by just one day can save you hundreds of dollars, especially for international flights!

14. Opt for Non-Refundable Rates for Deeper Discounts

What Are Non-Refundable Rates?

Many hotels and flights offer non-refundable rates at a significant discount compared to flexible cancellation options. If your plans are set in stone, booking a non-refundable rate can save you up to 20% on your trip.

When to Choose Non-Refundable Rates:

• Set Plans: If you’re 100% sure about your travel dates and plans, go for the non-refundable option.

• Popular Destinations: In high-demand locations, non-refundable rates offer the most savings.

• Last-Minute Deals: Non-refundable rates can be an easy way to score a deal for last-minute bookings.

Pro Tip: If you’re booking well in advance and think your plans might change, stick with flexible cancellation options to avoid fees.

15. Join Expedia’s Email List for Flash Sales

Why Email Lists Are a Hidden Gem

By joining Expedia’s email list, you’ll receive access to exclusive flash sales and discount codes that are unavailable on the site. These sales often include last-minute hotel deals, vacation packages, and car discounts.

What You Can Expect:

• Flash Sales: Get notifications of sales that last 24-48 hours.

• Personalized Offers: Receive deals based on your past bookings and favorite destinations.

• Seasonal Promotions: Be the first to know about significant holiday sales, like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

Pro Tip: Use a dedicated email for travel deals to avoid clutter in your primary inbox and ensure you get all the sales!

Best Hacks and Strategies for Saving with Expedia

Conclusion

By now, you’re equipped with all the tools and tips to maximize savings and perks on your next Expedia booking. Whether you're booking flights, hotels, or vacation packages, these 15 hacks will help you unlock exclusive discounts, earn valuable rewards, and enjoy more luxurious trips for less. From utilizing the Expedia app for mobile-only deals to stacking cashback with rewards points, you can become a savvy traveler without breaking the bank.

For expert tips and exclusive deals, follow us at Dealhack – your go-to source for smart shopping and savings!

FAQ

How can I save more using the Expedia app?

The Expedia app offers mobile-exclusive discounts of up to 30% off select hotels. Turn on notifications for flash sales and last-minute deals.

What’s the benefit of bundling flights and hotels?

By booking flights and hotels together in a vacation package, you can save 10-15% or more on your trip than booking separately.

How do price alerts work on Expedia?

Set up price alerts to monitor flight and hotel rates. Expedia will notify you when prices drop, helping you book at the lowest rate.

What is Expedia Rewards?

Expedia Rewards is a free loyalty program in which you earn points on every booking. These points can be redeemed for discounts or free travel.

When is the best day to book flights and hotels?

Book flights on Tuesdays and hotels on Sundays to access the best deals, with potential savings of up to 20%.

Can I use cashback apps with Expedia?

Yes! Apps like Rakuten and TopCashback offer up to 12% cashback on Expedia bookings, allowing you to stack savings.

How do I apply coupon codes on Expedia?

Enter coupon codes during checkout to save up to 10% on select bookings. Look for codes on websites like Dealhack.

What is Expedia’s Best Price Guarantee?

If you find a lower price elsewhere within 24 hours, Expedia will match the price and may give you a $50 coupon.

What are Expedia’s last-minute deals?

Expedia offers flash sales on unsold flights, hotels, and vacation packages, often reducing prices by up to 40%.

Can I cancel Expedia bookings for free?

Many Expedia bookings offer free cancellation, allowing you to rebook if better prices arise. Always check cancellation deadlines.