Booking travel through Expedia can be convenient, but many wonder if the site’s cheap prices come with hidden fees. So does Expedia charge extra fees when you book hotels, flights, rental cars or vacation packages?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Expedia does charge administrative and service fees on top of the base price for certain parts of your booking. However, the total is generally still lower than booking directly.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain exactly where Expedia tacks on fees, including for hotel reservations, flight bookings, rental cars, packages and more.
By understanding Expedia’s fee structure, you can better compare prices across sites and make an informed decision when booking travel.
Hotel Booking Fees
When booking a hotel through Expedia, it’s important to be aware of the potential fees that may be charged. One common fee that customers may encounter is the hotel booking fee. This fee is charged per room, per night booked and is determined by Expedia.
Charged per room, per night booked
Expedia charges the hotel booking fee for each room and for each night that is booked through their platform. This means that if you book a hotel room for three nights, you will be charged the booking fee for each of those three nights.
Fee depends on hotel, averages $5-$30 per night
The amount of the hotel booking fee can vary depending on the specific hotel you are booking. On average, the fee ranges from $5 to $30 per night. It’s important to note that this fee is in addition to the cost of the room itself.
Covers Expedia’s costs for booking service
The hotel booking fee charged by Expedia is intended to cover the costs associated with providing their booking service. This includes expenses such as customer support, website maintenance, and other operational costs. By charging this fee, Expedia is able to offer their services to customers while still covering their own expenses.
It’s worth mentioning that these fees can vary depending on the specific hotel and location.
To get the most accurate information regarding hotel booking fees, it’s always a good idea to check the details on the Expedia website or contact their customer support.
Airline Ticket Fees
Carrier-imposed fees are passed onto customers
When booking flights through Expedia, it is important to understand that there may be additional fees imposed by the airlines themselves.
These fees, also known as carrier-imposed fees, are separate from the base fare and are passed on to the customers. These fees can vary depending on the airline and the specific route.
Can include baggage, seat selection, priority boarding
Carrier-imposed fees can cover a range of services and amenities that are not included in the base fare. These can include baggage fees, seat selection fees, and even fees for priority boarding.
It is essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of your ticket to understand what fees may be applicable to your specific flight.
Expedia doesn’t control airline fee amounts
It is important to note that Expedia does not have control over the amounts of the carrier-imposed fees. These fees are set by the airlines themselves and are subject to change. Expedia acts as a booking platform, facilitating the purchase of airline tickets, but is not responsible for determining or modifying these fees.
For more information on airline fees and charges, you can visit the websites of the airlines directly. They often provide detailed information about their fee structures and policies. It’s always a good idea to check with the airline directly or reach out to their customer service if you have any specific questions or concerns about fees.
Rental Car Fees
Administrative Fee per Rental
When booking a rental car through Expedia, customers may come across an administrative fee per rental. This fee is charged by Expedia to cover the costs of providing their booking service. While the exact amount of the fee may vary depending on the rental car company and location, it is typically a small percentage of the total rental cost.
It’s important to note that this administrative fee is separate from any fees that the rental car company may charge, such as fuel or insurance surcharges.
Covers Costs of Booking Service
The administrative fee charged by Expedia covers the costs associated with providing their booking service. This includes maintaining the website, customer support, and ensuring a smooth booking process.
Expedia invests in technology and resources to make it convenient for customers to compare and book rental cars online. The administrative fee helps to offset these costs and allows Expedia to continue offering their services to customers worldwide.
Additional Driver or Underage Fees May Apply
It’s important for customers to be aware that additional fees may apply when adding an extra driver or if the renter is under a certain age. These fees are not charged by Expedia directly but are set by the rental car companies themselves.
Adding an additional driver to the rental agreement can incur an additional fee per day or per rental. Similarly, if the renter is under the age of 25, there may be an underage fee imposed by the rental car company. These fees vary depending on the rental car company and location, so it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully before making a reservation.
While Expedia strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding rental car fees, it’s always a good idea for customers to double-check the specific terms and conditions of their rental car booking. This can help avoid any surprises or misunderstandings when picking up the rental car at the counter.
Vacation Package Fees
Expedia offers vacation packages that bundle hotel accommodations, flights, and car rentals together. This allows travelers to conveniently book all aspects of their trip in one place, saving them time and potentially money.
By bundling these services, Expedia is able to offer competitive prices and discounts to its customers.
Bundles hotel, flight, car rentals
When booking a vacation package through Expedia, customers have the option to include hotel accommodations, flights, and car rentals. This means that travelers can easily customize their trip by selecting their preferred hotel, airline, and car rental company.
Expedia provides a wide range of options, ensuring that customers can find the best fit for their needs and budget.
Charges one service fee instead of individual
Instead of charging separate fees for each component of the vacation package, Expedia charges a single service fee. This fee covers the cost of booking and managing all the elements of the trip, including the hotel, flight, and car rental.
By combining these fees into one, Expedia simplifies the booking process for customers and eliminates any potential confusion or hidden costs.
Still cheaper than booking each separately
Booking a vacation package through Expedia can often be more cost-effective than booking each component separately. Expedia has established partnerships with hotels, airlines, and car rental companies, allowing them to negotiate discounted rates and exclusive deals.
By taking advantage of these partnerships, Expedia is able to pass on the savings to its customers, resulting in lower overall costs for vacation packages.
In fact, a study conducted by Travel Weekly found that booking a vacation package through Expedia can save travelers up to 30% compared to booking each component separately. This significant cost savings makes Expedia an attractive option for travelers looking to get the most value out of their vacation budget.
So, if you’re planning a trip and want to save time and money, consider booking a vacation package through Expedia. With its convenient bundling options, single service fee, and competitive pricing, Expedia provides a hassle-free and cost-effective solution for your travel needs.
Ways to Avoid Expedia Fees
Price match against Expedia when booking direct
If you want to avoid extra fees when booking through Expedia, one option is to price match against Expedia when booking directly with the hotel or airline.
Many hotels and airlines have price match guarantees, which means that if you find a lower price on Expedia, they will match that price or even offer a lower rate. This way, you can still enjoy the convenience of booking through Expedia’s platform while avoiding any additional fees.
It’s important to note that not all hotels or airlines offer price match guarantees, so it’s always a good idea to check their policies before making a booking. Additionally, make sure to read the terms and conditions of the price match guarantee to understand any restrictions or limitations.
Use Expedia rewards program membership
Another way to avoid extra fees when using Expedia is by becoming a member of their rewards program. Expedia offers a rewards program called Expedia Rewards, which allows you to earn points on your bookings that can be redeemed for future discounts and benefits.
As a member, you may be eligible for exclusive deals and promotions that can help you save on fees. Additionally, Expedia Rewards members often have access to special perks, such as free room upgrades or late check-out, which can enhance your overall travel experience without incurring any extra charges.
If you frequently book through Expedia, joining their rewards program can be a great way to not only save money on fees but also earn valuable rewards for your future travels.
Look for promotions waiving fees
Expedia occasionally runs promotions that waive certain fees, such as booking fees or cancellation fees. These promotions can be a great opportunity to save money and avoid any additional charges.
To stay informed about these promotions, you can sign up for Expedia’s newsletter or follow them on social media. Additionally, regularly checking their website for any ongoing deals or offers can help you take advantage of fee waivers and enjoy a more cost-effective booking experience.
Keep in mind that promotions may have specific terms and conditions, such as limited availability or restricted travel dates. Make sure to read the fine print and understand the details of the promotion before making your booking.
Conclusion
In summary, Expedia does charge service and administrative fees for bookings, however the total price is usually still less than booking directly with hotels and airlines.
Understanding Expedia’s fee structure allows you to better evaluate if the convenience is worth the extra charges.
With some flexible travel dates and smart booking techniques, you can still score a good deal through Expedia.
