Yes, you can get your money back from Expedia—especially if you cancel within 24 hours of booking. Beyond that, it depends on the airline, the fare type, and the timing of your cancellation. Always check your itinerary details or call Expedia directly for clarity.
Imagine this: you just booked your flight through Expedia, only to realize that you selected the wrong dates, or worse—your plans suddenly change. Now you’re left wondering if you're eligible for a refund or if you're going to lose your entire travel budget.
Many travelers mistakenly assume that all Expedia flights are refundable. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Whether you're flying with budget airlines or a full-service carrier, each has its own set of refund rules. And because Expedia acts as a third-party booking service, navigating the Expedia refund policy can be tricky without proper guidance.
Cancelling a flight shouldn’t mean losing hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars. But that’s the reality for many travelers who aren't aware of how the Expedia refund process works.
Here are some common frustrations:
Getting bounced between Expedia and the airlines when trying to cancel
Not knowing the difference between refundable and non-refundable fares
Missing the 24-hour window for free cancellation
Receiving a travel credit instead of a cash refund
This uncertainty leads to stress, confusion, and sometimes missed opportunities to recover your money. That’s why understanding the Expedia refund policy up front is so critical.
Let’s break down how to get your money back from Expedia, depending on the timing and circumstances of your cancellation.
Expedia offers a 24-hour cancellation policy for most flight bookings, aligned with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.
You can cancel your Expedia flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund.
This only applies if your flight is at least 7 days away from the booking date.
No cancellation fees apply during this window.
Log in to your Expedia account.
Navigate to “My Trips” and select the booking.
Click “Cancel Flight” and follow the steps.
You’ll receive an email confirming your refund request.
Once the 24-hour grace period ends, the refund process depends largely on your airline and the fare class you selected.
Refundable tickets allow you to cancel anytime and receive your money back.
Non-refundable tickets often allow only partial refunds or travel credits.
Some airlines charge cancellation fees that are deducted from your refund.
Each airline has different rules for cancellations and refunds. Here’s how it typically works:
Full-Service Airlines (Delta, United, American): May offer partial refunds or credits.
Low-Cost Airlines (Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant): Usually offer no refunds, but may provide credits with a cancellation fee.
International Carriers (Emirates, Qatar, British Airways): Policies vary widely by region and ticket class.
Always check the fine print or contact Expedia support to confirm your eligibility.
If the airline cancels your flight, you're usually entitled to a full refund, regardless of your fare type.
Wait for Expedia or the airline to notify you.
Check your Expedia account under “My Trips”.
Choose to accept a rebooking or request a refund.
If the refund option isn’t visible, call Expedia customer service.
Once a refund is approved, how long does it take to hit your account?
Credit Card refunds: 5–30 business days
Bank transfers or debit cards: 7–30 business days
Travel credits: Usually issued instantly or within 72 hours
Refunds are processed by Expedia initially, but the actual funds are returned by the airlines, which causes delays.
FAQ – Getting Your Money Back from Expedia
Yes, especially if it's within 24 hours. After that, it depends on your fare type and the airline's policy.
Some do, especially flexible fares. Others are non-refundable. Always check the cancellation policy before booking.
Possibly. Flights and hotels in a package may have different refund terms. Hotels often allow refunds up to 24–48 hours before check-in.
Missing a flight usually results in no refund unless your ticket includes protection or is refundable. Consider contacting the airline directly in emergencies.
For booking changes, start with Expedia. If the airline canceled your flight, they’re responsible for issuing a refund.
When booking travel, flexibility matters. Knowing the Expedia refund policy can help you avoid losing your hard-earned money. Whether you’re flying budget airlines or premium carriers via Expedia flights, being proactive about cancellations and knowing your refund rights is essential.
The golden rule? Cancel within 24 hours if your plans change. After that, check your fare class and contact support if necessary.