Still waiting on a Expedia refund?
Can you get a refund from Expedia? Check eligibility first
Refund eligibility with Expedia depends on the type of booking:
- Hotels & Rentals: Fully refundable rates can be cancelled within the set window for a full refund. Non-refundable bookings generally can’t be refunded unless the provider makes an exception.
- Flights: Some airlines offer a 24-hour risk-free cancellation if booked 7+ days before departure. Beyond that, refundable fares return cash, but most non-refundable fares issue airline credits instead.
- Packages: Each component (flight, hotel, car) follows its own rules. You may get partial refunds.
- Activities, Car Rentals & Cruises: Many allow free cancellation up to 24–48 hours before, others are strictly non-refundable.
- Exclusions: Expedia service fees, travel insurance, and late cancellations (including no-shows) are typically non-refundable.
How to get a refund from Expedia
Here’s how to request a refund:
- Cancel Online: Log in to My Trips, choose your booking, and follow the prompts. The system will show refund amounts (if any) before you confirm.
- Virtual Agent: Use Expedia’s automated chat to cancel, check refund status, or connect to a live agent.
- Call Support: If online cancellation doesn’t work, call Expedia’s 24/7 support. In Australia, dial 1800 782 108 with your itinerary number handy.
- Check Refund Status: After cancellation, watch for a confirmation email. Status updates also appear in My Trips.
- Keep Records: Save emails and screenshots. These are helpful if you need to dispute charges with Expedia or the provider later.
Expedia’s refund timeframe - how long it takes
- Hotels, Rentals & Activities: Usually refunded within 3–10 business days, faster if Expedia processed the payment.
- Flights: Airlines can take 7–21 business days (sometimes up to 12 weeks in extreme cases).
- Packages: Refunds may arrive in stages. Expect the hotel portion first, flights later.
- Payment Method:
- Credit cards: 5–10 business days, sometimes up to a billing cycle.
- Debit cards: May take longer (up to 10+ business days).
- PayPal: Often refunded within a week.
- Credit cards: 5–10 business days, sometimes up to a billing cycle.
- Special Circumstances: High-volume disruptions (e.g. COVID-19) can extend refunds beyond normal timelines.
Expedia’s refund methods - how you'll get your money back
Expedia refunds to your original payment method by default:
- Credit/Debit cards → Credited back to the same card.
- PayPal → Returned to your PayPal account.
- Expedia Rewards points or coupons → Reissued to your account.
- Airline credits → Issued when cash refunds aren’t allowed; redeemable for future flights.
- Gift cards or vouchers → Refunded back to the same card or as a new voucher.
👉 Expedia does not send refunds via cash or cheque, and cannot redirect refunds to new accounts.
Common refund issues with Expedia
- Non-refundable bookings: Many complaints stem from misunderstanding provider-set policies.
- Missed cancellation deadlines: Cancel too late, and you may lose all refund rights.
- Refund delays: Customers sometimes wait weeks for airlines or hotels to release funds.
- Unexpected deductions: Cancellation fees, first-night charges, or Expedia’s service fees reduce refunds.
- Provider silence: Hotels not responding can stall refunds. Sometimes you’ll need to contact the provider directly.
- Credits instead of cash: Airlines often issue travel credits, which some travellers don’t expect.
Expedia cases submitted through Ajust
I tried to get a refund on flights I couldn’t use for medical reasons, but every time I contacted Expedia I was left waiting for almost an hour only to be told no. They kept insisting Air NZ had rejected it, yet Air NZ told me they’d never even heard from Expedia about my case. It felt impossible to get any honesty or progress. - Liana
My flight was cancelled just hours before departure and I was left trying to organise a refund while travelling with my 83-year-old mother. We couldn’t afford to rebook without the money returned, yet days later I still had no clarity or support from Expedia. All I wanted was a quick refund so we could continue our trip safely. - Marcelo
I asked Expedia for a refund after they sent me an itinerary that didn’t match what I booked. I was supposed to fly from Cairns, but the confirmation suddenly showed Brisbane instead. I’d already paid for luggage and couldn’t get anyone on the phone to help. In the end, all I wanted was my money back for a mistake that wasn’t mine. - Dominic
I booked Louvre tickets through Expedia, but they never arrived. I spent two and a half hours outside the museum trying to get help before the vendor finally sent them directly. By then, the skip-the-line access I paid for was gone, we waited again, and the delay ruined the rest of our plans for the day. I wanted a refund for the mess it caused. - Fred
Customer experiences with Expedia refund cases
Prompt refund despite error: One traveller accidentally booked non-refundable dates, but Expedia’s team secured a goodwill refund within 2 days.
Six-month ordeal: A customer waited 6 months for a $4,000 flight refund during COVID, only resolved via a credit card chargeback.
Flight refund fast-tracked: Another traveller got a non-refundable fare refunded after the airline approved an exception and Expedia escalated.
How Expedia Refund Policy Compares to Competitors
- Flight Centre: Charges extra cancellation fees ($50–$300 per person) and slower refunds (8–12 weeks). Expedia wins on cost and speed.
- Webjet: Similar no extra cancellation fees, but more limited customer support. Refunds can also take weeks. Expedia has stronger support.
- Direct booking: Airlines/hotels often refund faster without a middleman, but you lose Expedia’s package convenience.
- Booking.com: Hotel refunds are similar (provider rules), but Expedia also handles flights and packages, making it more comprehensive.
👉 Overall, Expedia’s policies are consumer-friendly compared to most agencies (no added cancellation fees and robust online refund management).
Official Expedia Refund Resources & Links
Expedia Refund FAQs
Can I get a refund from Expedia if my booking is non-refundable?
You usually can’t get a refund on a non-refundable Expedia booking, unless the hotel, airline, or provider makes an exception. This is because Expedia follows the rules set by each provider, not its own refund policy. If you think your situation qualifies for flexibility, try cancelling through My Trips first—Expedia will show any refund or credit eligibility before you confirm. Keeping clear records helps if you need to push for a fairer outcome later.
How long does an Expedia refund take to process?
Most Expedia refunds take between 3 and 21 business days, depending on whether it’s for a hotel, activity, or flight. Hotels and activities tend to refund faster, while airlines take longer and sometimes release funds in stages. Your payment method also affects timelines, with debit cards and some credit cards taking up to a billing cycle. If timing matters, checking My Trips regularly helps you stay in control of the process.
What’s the fastest way to request an Expedia refund?
The quickest way to request an Expedia refund is by cancelling through My Trips, where you’ll instantly see if money is coming back. This avoids long support interactions and gives you a clear confirmation. If the system blocks your cancellation, use Expedia’s Virtual Agent or call support with your itinerary number ready to save time. Staying organised helps you get results without wasting hours on hold.
Why did Expedia issue me a travel credit instead of a cash refund?
Expedia issues credits instead of cash refunds when the airline’s fare rules don’t allow money back on non-refundable tickets. Airlines control these rules, so Expedia must follow them. Credits can still be useful for rebooking future travel, and you’ll see them in your account after cancellation. Checking fare conditions before booking helps avoid surprises and gives you more confidence when choosing your next trip.
You deserve your money back, don’t let it slip away.
Take two minutes to file a formal
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refund request that gets seen.