If you’ve recently booked travel through Expedia and need to request a refund, the process can seem daunting at first—but with the right approach, it’s quite manageable. First, it’s essential to understand Expedia’s refund policies, which differ depending on the type of booking—flights, hotels, vacation packages, or car rentals—and the cancellation flexibility that was included in the fare or rate at time of booking. Your booking confirmation or your Expedia itinerary in your account will list the terms, such as whether the booking is non‑refundable, refundable under certain conditions, or fully flexible up to a specific date and time. Begin by logging into your Expedia account (or the Expedia app) and accessing “My Trips.” This section will display all current and upcoming reservations. Click on the relevant trip to check whether your reservation is refundable and to view the specific deadline for free cancellation. If you’re still within the allowed cancellation window, Expedia typically provides an easy “Cancel” or “Change” button. Click that, confirm your cancellation, and your refund—or credit, depending on the policy—should be automatically initiated. Expedia will usually send a confirmation email with details of the refund amount and timeline. Refunds typically process via the original payment method within seven to ten business days, although this can vary depending on your bank or credit‑card issuer.

If your reservation is labeled as “non‑refundable,” there often is little Expedia can do, unless the provider (such as an airline or hotel) offers a waiver for medical emergencies, travel advisories, or other extenuating circumstances. In such cases, your best course of action is to contact Expedia’s customer support directly by phone or through their chat feature—available via the “Help” section within your account. Have your confirmation number and the reason for your request ready. If the underlying provider grants a waiver, Expedia can typically pass the refund along to you. If you’re given travel credit instead of a cash refund, be sure to note any expiration date and limitations—travel credits often must be used within a year and applied at booking time. Payment-processing fees and third‑party service charges may be non‑refundable, even if the main booking is reimbursed.

For flight bookings, especially if purchased through Expedia’s “Choose Your Airline” or “Basic” fare, the refund policy may adhere to the airline’s rules. In the U.S., for instance, the Department of Transportation requires airlines to provide a full refund if canceling the flight or if the cancellation is initiated within 24 hours of booking, provided the departure is at least seven days away. Expedia follows the same stipulations, but the key is ensuring the booking was made at least seven days before departure and canceling within the first day. In such scenarios, go into “My Trips,” locate the flight, and click “Cancel Flight” to comply with these requirements. Expedia then pushes you through their partner airline, and typically your refund appears in your account within a couple of weeks.

If the refund does not appear within the expected timeframe—or if the charge is unusually delayed or declined—be proactive. Double-check your payment statement for any refunded amounts. If none are seen after ten business days, contact Expedia’s customer service. They may advise checking with your bank or card issuer, since some financial institutions can delay crediting the amount. Also confirm that the original form of payment is still active; if the card has expired or been closed, Expedia can issue a check or apply the refund to an alternate payment method if requested.

For bookings made through a third-party platform (for example, travel agents that sell Expedia packages), follow the same policy principles, but you may need to go through that intermediary. Always document your interactions: save cancellation receipts, screenshots of policy terms, and emails. This can be invaluable if you need to escalate the matter—either to Expedia’s higher-tier support or, in rare cases, your credit-card company for a dispute claim.

In short, successfully securing a refund from Expedia requires checking the cancellation policy, timely action—ideally within the policy window—using their online cancellation tool, and patiently waiting for the refund to process. If automatic cancellation isn’t available, contact customer service or the service provider directly. Keep all documentation, track transaction timelines, and inquire with your bank if delays persist. With careful attention to policy details and proactive follow-up, you significantly boost your chances of getting your money back efficiently.