Expedia does offer refunds on flights, but it depends on airline policies, fare types, and timing of your cancellation. While some tickets are refundable, many are not — and navigating this can be confusing.
Have you ever canceled a trip booked on Expedia flights, only to wonder if your money is truly coming back? You're not alone. Every day, travelers are faced with complex cancellation policies, confusing terms, and unclear refund conditions — all of which create anxiety just when you need flexibility the most.
Let’s break it down clearly. This blog answers the big question: Does Expedia actually refund your money? We’ll look at the 24-hour cancellation policy, how airline rules affect refunds, and how you can make sure you don’t lose money on your next Expedia booking.
Expedia follows the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation that allows passengers to cancel eligible flights within 24 hours of booking — as long as the flight is more than 7 days away.
Key points:
Applies only to flights (not hotels, cars, or packages).
Full refund back to your original form of payment.
No cancellation fee if done within 24 hours.
Works only on select airlines that support this rule.
While the 24-hour policy seems straightforward, not all flights qualify:
Basic economy or non-refundable tickets may be excluded.
Third-party airlines or international partners may have stricter rules.
Canceling via airline directly instead of Expedia may void refund eligibility.
Always check the fare conditions before confirming your booking.
When booking, Expedia displays whether the flight is refundable. If you booked a refundable fare, you can usually cancel anytime before departure and receive a full refund. For non-refundable flights, cancellation results in:
A flight credit or voucher for future travel.
No money back in your account.
Possible deduction of airline cancellation fees.
Expedia is a travel agent, not an airline. The refund decision is ultimately governed by the airline’s fare rules.
For example:
Delta Airlines may offer an eCredit.
United may refund only if there’s a flight change or delay.
Budget airlines may provide no refunds at all.
Log into your Expedia account
Navigate to “My Trips”
Click on your flight reservation
Under “Trip details,” check the cancellation section
If eligible, click “Cancel” and confirm refund type
You’ll receive a confirmation email from Expedia.
If refundable, the money returns within 7–10 business days.
If not refundable, you'll see credit details (valid usually for 1 year).
Always book flights with a refundable option if plans are uncertain.
Cancel within 24 hours to ensure the best chance of a full refund.
Double-check all airline policies before booking.
Don’t assume all flights are refundable.
Don’t wait until the last minute to cancel.
Don’t bypass Expedia and cancel directly with the airline (it can confuse the process).
If your refund status is unclear or you're facing delays, call Expedia Customer Support.
📞 Expedia 24-hour helpline: +1 833-654-7126
Support is especially useful if:
You’ve canceled but haven't received confirmation.
Airline policy is vague or the refund is delayed.
You need assistance with credit usage or rebooking.
Expedia’s team can mediate with airlines on your behalf, often helping recover some or all of your fare.
Yes — if your fare is refundable or canceled within the 24-hour window. For non-refundable fares, you may get a credit instead of cash.
Typically 7–10 business days for refunds to be credited to your original payment method.
In this case, you’re entitled to a full refund, regardless of fare type. Expedia will process it, but the timeline depends on the airline.
Yes, but if you booked through Expedia, canceling with the airline might complicate refunds. Always check with Expedia first.
Yes. Travel insurance can help you get refunds for non-refundable tickets under emergencies, delays, or medical reasons.
While Expedia does refund money under the right conditions, not all bookings are created equal. The type of fare, airline policy, and cancellation timing play a huge role.
For travelers looking for peace of mind:
Stick to refundable fares if flexibility is key.
Cancel within 24 hours if there’s even a hint of doubt.
When in doubt, call Expedia at +1 833-654-7126 for clarity.
Being informed is the first step to saving your money — and your trip. Safe travels!