Expedia's refund policy depends on what you booked and when you cancel

Whether Expedia will refund you depends on three things: what you booked (flight, hotel, car, or a package), the cancellation policy that came with your reservation, and how far in advance you cancel. Most hotels and rental cars on Expedia are non-refundable by default, but you can filter for refundable options when you search. Flights are usually refundable as a travel credit, not cash, unless you paid for a refundable fare. The fastest way to request a refund is through your Expedia account online, though you can also call their customer service line.

The key is that refundability is locked in at the moment you book. You cannot change a non-refundable rate to refundable later. If you think you might cancel, choose the refundable option upfront — it costs more but protects you. If you already booked non-refundable and want to cancel anyway, your only option is the 24-hour window that applies to most bookings, or contacting customer service to ask for an exception.

Key Takeaways

  • Refundability is set at the time you book — hotels and cars are often non-refundable unless you specifically chose a refundable rate.
  • Flights booked through Expedia typically refund as travel credit rather than cash, even if the airline itself offers cash refunds.
  • You can cancel and request a refund through your Expedia account, by phone, or by email, and the method you choose affects how long processing takes.
  • If you cancel within 24 hours of booking most hotels and flights, Expedia usually refunds the full amount regardless of the stated policy.
  • Refunds typically take 5 to 10 business days to appear in your original payment method after Expedia processes the cancellation.

How to cancel and request a refund through your Expedia account

Log into your Expedia account and go to "My trips." Find the reservation you want to cancel and click on it. You will see a "Cancel" button if the booking is refundable or may be able to access for the 24-hour cancellation window. Click it, confirm the cancellation, and Expedia will show you the refund amount and timeline on the confirmation screen.

If the booking shows no cancel option, it means Expedia has marked it as non-refundable under the rate you chose. You can still contact customer service to ask whether an exception is possible, but you should not expect one unless the cancellation policy explicitly allows it or you are within 24 hours of booking. Canceling through your account is the fastest method because you get instant confirmation and do not have to wait on hold.

Calling Expedia customer service for a refund

Expedia's customer service phone line is available 24/7. Have your confirmation number ready before you call. The wait time varies, but calling is faster than email if you need an answer the same day. Customer service can cancel your reservation over the phone and tell you the exact refund amount and processing time.

When you call, be clear about what you booked and why you are canceling. If you are within 24 hours of your booking date, mention that — customer service can override non-refundable policies for cancellations in that window. If you are outside that window and the rate is non-refundable, the agent will confirm that before processing the cancellation. Some agents will note a reason for cancellation in your account, which can help if you need to escalate later.

Understanding refundable versus non-refundable rates

When you search for hotels or rental cars on Expedia, you can filter results to show only refundable options. A refundable rate costs more upfront but lets you cancel and get your money back, usually up to a certain date before arrival. A non-refundable rate is cheaper but cannot be canceled for a refund — you lose the money if you do not use it.

Flights work differently. Expedia does not always offer a choice between refundable and non-refundable fares the way airlines do. If you booked a basic economy or restricted fare through Expedia, the airline may not allow a refund, and Expedia will only refund you as travel credit. If the airline itself offers a cash refund, you may need to contact the airline directly rather than Expedia to claim it. Always check the fare rules before you book if cash refunds matter to you.

The 24-hour cancellation window for most bookings

Expedia allows you to cancel most hotel and flight bookings within 24 hours of making the reservation and receive a full refund, even if you chose a non-refundable rate. This applies as long as your check-in or departure date is at least seven days away. If you booked a hotel for tomorrow or a flight for later today, the 24-hour window does not apply.

To use this window, cancel through your account or call customer service and mention that you are within 24 hours of booking. You do not need a reason. Expedia will process the cancellation and refund the full amount to your original payment method. This is one of the few times Expedia will override a non-refundable policy, so use it if you have any doubt about your booking.

What to expect when your refund is processed

Once Expedia approves your cancellation, the refund goes back to the payment method you used to book — your credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. The time it takes depends on your bank or card issuer, not Expedia. Most refunds appear within 5 to 10 business days, but some banks hold refunds for up to 30 days before posting them to your account.

If you paid with a credit card, the refund shows as a credit to your account. If you paid with a debit card, the money returns to your checking account. Check your bank's website or app to see pending transactions — sometimes a refund appears there before it shows on your statement. If more than 30 days have passed and you do not see the refund, contact Expedia with your confirmation number and ask them to verify the refund status with your bank.

When Expedia refunds as travel credit instead of cash

If you booked a flight through Expedia and cancel it, Expedia often refunds you as travel credit — a voucher you can use to book another trip on Expedia — rather than returning cash to your payment method. This is Expedia's policy, not the airline's. The airline may offer a cash refund, but Expedia keeps the money and gives you credit instead.

You can ask Expedia customer service whether they will refund cash instead of credit, but they usually will not unless the airline itself is required to refund cash (for example, if the flight was canceled by the airline, not by you). If you need cash and Expedia will only offer credit, you have the option to decline the cancellation and keep your booking, or accept the credit and use it later. Travel credit does not expire, so you can hold it until you are ready to book another trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a hotel booking less than 24 hours before check-in?

It depends on the cancellation policy you chose when you booked. If you selected a refundable rate, the policy will show a specific cancellation deadline — often 48 or 72 hours before check-in. If you cancel after that deadline, you forfeit the payment. If you chose a non-refundable rate, you cannot cancel for a refund at any point. Check your confirmation email to see the exact policy for your booking.

What if the airline canceled my flight, not me?

If the airline canceled the flight, Expedia will refund you as travel credit automatically, or you can request a cash refund. Contact Expedia customer service with your confirmation number and explain that the airline canceled. You should be able to choose between a credit toward a future booking or a refund to your original payment method. The airline's policy determines whether cash is an option.

How do I check the status of my refund?

Log into your Expedia account and go to "My trips." Find the canceled reservation — it will show a status like "Refund pending" or "Refund processed." If it says processed, check your bank account or credit card. If it says pending and more than 10 business days have passed, call Expedia customer service with your confirmation number and ask them to check with your bank.

Can I get a refund if I booked a package deal?

Expedia packages bundle a flight, hotel, and sometimes a car rental at a discounted rate. The refund policy for a package is the most restrictive of the individual components — if the flight is non-refundable, the whole package is usually non-refundable. You can cancel the entire package if you are within 24 hours of booking, but after that, you are stuck with the policy you chose. Check your confirmation email to see the exact terms.

What if Expedia refuses to refund me?

If Expedia denies your refund request and you believe they are wrong, ask to speak with a supervisor or escalate your case through their website. Provide your confirmation number, the cancellation policy from your booking, and an explanation of why you think you are may have access to to a refund. If Expedia still refuses and you paid with a credit card, you can dispute the charge with your card issuer — they will investigate and may refund you directly.