DealHack Guides

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

October 05, 2024 · 16 minute read

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:

1. Use the Expedia App for Exclusive Discounts

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:

Benefits Beyond Discounts

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

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:

The Downside of Bundling

While bundling offers incredible savings, there are some drawbacks:

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

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:

Best Times to Set Price Alerts:

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:

Expedia Rewards Tiers and Perks:

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

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

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:

When to Book Hotels:

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:

When to Book Last-Minute Trips:

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

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:

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:

How to Apply a Coupon Code:

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

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:

Cashback AppCashback Rate on Expedia
RakutenUp to 10%
TopCashbackUp to 12%
SwagbucksUp to 8%

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:

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

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:

Perks of Secret Deals:

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

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:

Best Times to Use Flexible Dates:

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:

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

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:

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

HackWhat You SaveHow It WorksPro Tip
Expedia App Exclusive DiscountsUp to 30% off select hotelsMobile-only deals for app usersTurn on notifications for flash sales
Bundle Flight + Hotel10-15% or moreCombine your flight and hotel for vacation package discountsAdd car rentals or activities to increase savings
Price AlertsUp to 20% on flights or hotelsSet up alerts to track price dropsBe flexible with dates to increase chances of catching a drop
Expedia Rewards ProgramPoints for discounts or free travelEarn points on every booking, with bonuses for app usersRedeem points for instant savings or free nights
Book on the Right Day10-20% on flights and hotelsBook flights on Tuesdays and hotels on SundaysUse this strategy in combination with price alerts
Use Cashback AppsUp to 12% cashbackEarn cashback on Expedia bookings through apps like Rakuten or TopCashbackAlways compare cashback rates across multiple apps
Expedia Coupon Codes$50 or 10% off select bookingsApply discount codes found on sites like DealhackStack codes with rewards points for maximum savings
Last-Minute DealsUp to 40% on flights, hotels, or packagesFlash sales on unsold flights, rooms, or vacation packages close to travel datesCheck deals late at night for fresh offers
Free Cancellation OptionFlexibility in bookingLock in low prices and rebook if better rates become availableWatch for cancellation deadlines to avoid penalties
Non-Refundable RatesUp to 20% offChoose non-refundable options for deeper discountsOnly use when you’re certain of your travel plans
Expedia+ Credit CardExtra points + perks like room upgradesEarn more points on Expedia purchases with VIP perks at select hotelsStack with coupon codes and cashback apps for ultimate savings
Secret Deals (Silver & Gold Status)10-50% off exclusive hotel ratesEarn Silver or Gold status in Expedia Rewards to access hidden, exclusive ratesUnlock free upgrades and VIP perks at VIP Access hotels
Best Price GuaranteeRefund of price difference + $50 couponExpedia matches lower prices.Keep tracking prices after booking

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.

You may also like