Is it better to book hotel and flight together with Expedia?

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Booking your Flight and Hotel together with Expedia is often the better choice for travelers looking to save money and simplify their itinerary. This process, known as "bundling," allows Expedia to offer special discounted rates that are not available when booking each component separately. When you combine a Flight and Hotel—or even add a rental car—into a single Reservation, you unlock "package savings." These savings occur because airlines and hotels are often willing to offer lower prices for opaque bookings where the individual item price isn't explicitly broken down for the consumer.

One of the primary advantages of a package Reservation is the convenience of managing your trip. Instead of juggling multiple confirmation emails and login portals for different providers, you have a single itinerary number for your entire trip. This makes the booking process seamless and reduces the stress of travel planning. Additionally, if you need to make changes, such as rescheduling or re-booking due to unforeseen circumstances, dealing with a single platform can sometimes be more straightforward than coordinating between an airline and a hotel separately.

However, it is essential to read the fine print regarding re-Reservation and cancellation policies. While bundling saves money, package deals can sometimes be more restrictive than standalone bookings. For instance, if you need to cancel, the airline’s policy might differ from the hotel’s policy, yet both are bound within the single Expedia Reservation. Always check if your bundle is refundable or if it allows for flexible rescheduling before you confirm payment.

Another benefit is the rewards potential. Expedia’s One Key rewards program allows you to earn OneKeyCash on the total cost of the bundle, which can be used for future trips. This is in addition to the frequent flyer miles you would typically earn from the airline (though you may not earn hotel loyalty points when booking through a third party).

In summary, for most leisure travelers, bundling is a superior option due to the potential for significant cost savings—sometimes hundreds of dollars—and the unified management of your Flight and Hotel. Just be sure to review the terms for rescheduling to ensure the package meets your flexibility needs.

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Related FAQs

1. Can I cancel just the hotel portion of my Expedia vacation package?
   
   
   Yes, in many cases you can cancel the Hotel part of your Reservation while keeping the Flight, but this depends on the specific bundle terms. You may have to pay a difference in fare or a cancellation fee.
2. Does Expedia offer refunds for bundled bookings?
   
   
   Refund eligibility depends on the policies of the individual airline and hotel in your bundle. If you booked a non-refundable rate to save money, re-booking or refunds may not be possible.
3. How do I make changes to my Expedia flight and hotel bundle?
   
   
   You can manage your booking by logging into your Expedia account and navigating to "My Trips." Look for the rescheduling or "Change" options, though fees may apply based on the provider's rules.
4. Do I earn airline miles when booking a bundle on Expedia?
   
   
   Yes, you typically earn frequent flyer miles for the Flight portion of your package. You will need to add your frequent flyer number during the booking process or at check-in.
5. Is it cheaper to book flights and hotels separately?
   
   
   Rarely. Booking them together as a package on Expedia usually unlocks bulk rate discounts that make the combined price lower than the sum of the separate prices.
6. Can I add a rental car to my existing flight and hotel booking?
   
   
   Yes, you can often add a car to an existing Reservation later, but booking it upfront as part of the initial bundle generally yields the best total price.
7. What happens if my flight is cancelled in a bundle?
   
   
   If the airline cancels your Flight, they are responsible for re-booking you. However, since it is part of a package, you should contact Expedia support to ensure your Hotel dates are adjusted if necessary.
8. Can I book a package for someone else on Expedia?
   
   
   Yes, you can make a Reservation for another person. Ensure you enter their name exactly as it appears on their government ID to avoid issues with Flight security or Hotel check-in.
9. Are Expedia vacation packages customizable?
   
   
   Yes, you can customize your booking by selecting specific flight times, hotel room types, and even adding activities. The price will adjust dynamically based on your selections.
10. How far in advance should I book a bundle for the best price?
    
    
    Generally, booking your bundle 3 to 4 weeks in advance for domestic travel and 2 to 3 months for international travel offers the best balance of availability and price.