Expedia has become one of the go-to platforms for booking flights, hotels, vacation packages, and car rentals. Its convenience and wide selection make it a favorite among travelers. But what happens when you click “Book” and immediately realize you’ve made a mistake? Does Expedia offer any kind of grace period for cancellations or changes?
TLDR – Does Expedia Have a Grace Period?
Yes, Expedia typically offers a 24-hour grace period for flight bookings made directly on their platform, allowing you to cancel or modify your reservation for a full refund—as long as it’s within 24 hours of booking and more than seven days before departure. For hotel and vacation package cancellations, it depends on the property’s policy. Always read cancellation terms carefully during checkout, as policies vary by service and provider.
Understanding Expedia’s 24-Hour Flight Cancellation Policy
Expedia aligns with the Department of Transportation’s regulations, which require airlines to either allow a 24-hour hold or a 24-hour refund window on flights purchased at least seven days before departure. Expedia follows this by offering the following:
- Full Refund: Cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund to your original payment method.
- Applies to Most Flights: This policy covers most flights booked through Expedia, though exceptions may apply to some low-cost carriers or international airlines.
- No Cancellation Fees: No hidden charges or cancellation fees during this grace period.
This grace period is especially useful if you mistakenly book the wrong date, forget to apply a discount code, or simply change your mind shortly after purchase.
How to Cancel a Flight Within Expedia’s Grace Period
If you need to cancel your flight within the grace period, follow these steps:
- Log into your Expedia account.
- Navigate to the “My Trips” section.
- Select the flight you wish to cancel.
- Click on “Cancel Flight” and confirm the cancellation.
You should receive a confirmation email shortly after. Refunds usually appear on your statement within 7 business days, depending on your bank or credit card provider.
Do Hotels Booked Through Expedia Have a Grace Period?
Unlike flights, hotel bookings on Expedia do not have a universal 24-hour grace period. Here’s what you need to know:
- Each hotel sets its own cancellation policy.
- Some hotels offer free cancellation up to a certain date—like 24, 48, or 72 hours before check-in.
- Others are non-refundable from the moment you book.
To find out if your hotel booking has a grace period or free cancellation window, look under the hotel’s terms during the checkout process or in the confirmation email you receive after booking.
Vacation Packages and Rental Cars: What’s the Policy?
Vacation Packages
When booking flight + hotel vacation packages through Expedia, the cancellation policy can get more complicated. Each component (flight, hotel, and possibly rental car) could have a different policy. Here’s what typically happens:
- Flights: Subject to the 24-hour cancellation grace period if booked more than seven days in advance.
- Hotels: Subject to the property’s individual cancellation terms.
- Bundled Discounts: May affect what portion of a package is refundable.
Expedia will usually list the breakdown of refundable vs. non-refundable costs before you confirm your reservation. If you’re uncertain, try contacting their customer service before finalizing your purchase.
Rental Cars
Most rental cars booked through Expedia can be canceled for free before the pickup time, especially if you chose the “Pay Later” option. However, prepaid rentals may come with stricter rules or a fee for cancellations, particularly at the last minute.
Exceptions to the Grace Period
Expedia’s 24-hour cancellation rule is widely applicable, but not absolute. Some notable exceptions include:
- Last-Minute Bookings: Flights booked less than 7 days before departure may not qualify.
- Basic Economy Fares: Certain airlines do not allow any changes after booking.
- Third-Party Sellers: If the flight is operated by a third-party booking platform or travel agent, their own policies may apply instead.
Always double-check the fine print, even if you assume you have 24 hours to make changes. You can find this information under the “Rules & Restrictions” link during the booking process.
How to Know If You’re Eligible
As a rule of thumb, here’s a quick checklist to see if your flight is eligible for Expedia’s grace period:
- You booked within the last 24 hours.
- Your flight departs more than 7 days from now.
- The airline participates in Expedia’s cancellation program.
- You booked and paid through Expedia directly, not via a third party or partner site.
If all these boxes are checked, you should be able to cancel for a full refund with minimal hassle.
Contacting Expedia Customer Service
If you’re having trouble canceling or want to be certain you’re within the grace period, you can contact Expedia customer service via:
- Phone support (24/7 in many regions)
- Live chat on the Expedia website
- Messaging through the Expedia app
Make sure to have your itinerary number ready to speed up the process. In some cases, if the cancellation window has just closed by minutes, a friendly representative might still be able to help you out.
Tips to Avoid Issues When Booking Through Expedia
Here are some useful tips to avoid booking regrets and to make the most of Expedia’s cancellation policies:
- Review All Booking Details: Double-check dates, passenger names, baggage policies, and room options before hitting “Book.”
- Book During Daytime Hours: In case you need to call customer support, it’s often easier to get assistance during normal business hours.
- Set a Reminder: If you’re unsure, set an alarm to remind you to finalize or cancel a flight before the 24-hour window closes.
- Use the App: Expedia’s mobile app makes it easy to manage cancellations or contact support quickly.
Final Thoughts: Take Advantage of the Grace Period
Expedia offers a helpful 24-hour grace period for flight cancellations, which puts some much-needed flexibility into the travel planning process. Whether you’re changing your mind, adjusting travel companions, or noticing a lower fare elsewhere, you typically have a window to make it right.
However, be aware that hotel bookings, vacation packages, and rental cars come with their own rules and exceptions. Read all policies carefully and contact Expedia if you’re unsure. With a little planning and quick action, you can make Expedia’s booking platform work effectively and flexibly for your travel needs.
In short: Yes, Expedia offers a grace period on flights—but know where it applies and act fast to take full advantage.