Expedia's main customer service number and what it covers
Expedia's primary customer service phone number in the United States is 1-800-EXPEDIA (1-800-397-3342). This line handles reservations, changes to existing bookings, cancellations, and refund questions for flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages.
The line operates seven days a week. Wait times vary by time of day and season — peak travel periods (summer, holidays, spring break) typically have longer queues than off-season months. Calling early morning or late evening often means shorter waits than midday.
If you are calling from outside the United States, Expedia maintains separate numbers for Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries. You can find the number for your country on Expedia's contact page by selecting your location.
Key Takeaways
- Expedia's main U.S. phone number is 1-800-EXPEDIA (1-800-397-3342), available seven days a week for bookings, changes, and cancellations.
- Have your confirmation number ready before calling — the system will ask for it to pull up your reservation.
- International callers should use the country-specific number listed on Expedia's website rather than the U.S. line.
- For hotel-only reservations, some properties have direct cancellation lines that may be faster than calling Expedia's main number.
What information to have before you call
Expedia's automated system will ask for your confirmation number first. This is the code Expedia sent you in your booking confirmation email — it usually starts with a letter and contains six to eight characters total. Having this number ready cuts your wait time significantly because the system can pull up your entire reservation without asking additional questions.
If you cannot find your confirmation number, have your email address and the phone number associated with your account ready instead. The representative can search by those details, though it takes longer. If you booked through a third-party site (like a travel agent or corporate booking tool), your confirmation number may be different from Expedia's internal number.
For refund or dispute questions, also have your original payment method information available — the last four digits of the card or account number you used. Representatives often need this to verify the transaction.
When to call versus using Expedia's online tools
Expedia's website and mobile app let you cancel most bookings, change dates, and view refund status without calling. Log into your account, go to "My Trips," and select the reservation you need to modify. For straightforward changes — moving a hotel stay to different dates, canceling a flight within the airline's window, or checking a refund status — the online route is usually faster than a 20-minute phone hold.
Call Expedia's phone line when the online system will not let you make the change you need, when you have a dispute about a charge, when you need to discuss a refund that was denied, or when you are dealing with a complex multi-leg trip that the app cannot handle. Representatives can also waive certain fees or offer alternatives that the automated system cannot.
Hotel-specific cancellation and customer service
If your reservation is hotel-only (not bundled with a flight or car), the hotel itself often has a direct cancellation line. Check your confirmation email for the hotel's phone number. Calling the hotel directly can be faster than going through Expedia, especially for straightforward cancellations or questions about your specific room or stay.
However, if you booked a non-refundable rate or have a dispute about the price Expedia charged versus what the hotel's website shows, Expedia handles the refund — the hotel cannot override Expedia's terms. In that case, you will need to call Expedia's main line.
Handling flight changes and airline-specific issues
For flight changes, cancellations, or refunds, Expedia can process the request, but the airline's own policy determines what you are owed. If an airline cancels your flight or changes it significantly, you may have rights to a rebooking or refund that Expedia's representative will explain. Some airlines (like Southwest) allow you to rebook directly with them at no extra cost; others require you to go through the booking site.
If you are dealing with a missed flight, a baggage issue, or a seat assignment problem, calling the airline directly is often faster than calling Expedia. Expedia can file a claim on your behalf, but the airline makes the final decision on compensation.
What to expect during a call and typical resolution times
After you provide your confirmation number, Expedia's system routes you to the next available representative. The wait queue usually shows an estimated hold time. During the call, the representative will verify your identity (usually by asking for the last name on the booking and the email address), then pull up your reservation.
straightforward changes — like moving a hotel date forward or canceling a refundable booking — often resolve in five to ten minutes. Disputes, refund investigations, or complex changes can take 20 to 40 minutes. If Expedia needs to contact the airline or hotel on your behalf, the representative will tell you how long that typically takes and whether you need to call back or if they will follow up with you by email.
Refunds processed over the phone usually appear in your original payment account within three to five business days, though some banks take longer to post the credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to call, or can I handle everything online?
Most cancellations and date changes work through the website or app. Call only if the online system will not let you make the change, if you have a billing dispute, or if you need a representative to override a fee. This saves you a phone call for straightforward requests.
What if I booked through a travel agent or corporate travel site?
Contact your travel agent or corporate travel department first — they often handle changes and cancellations faster than Expedia's main line. If they cannot help, they can provide you with the booking reference to give Expedia's representative, which speeds up the call.
Can Expedia refund me if the price dropped after I booked?
Expedia does not automatically refund price drops. If you booked a refundable rate, you can cancel and rebook at the lower price yourself. If you booked a non-refundable rate, Expedia will not refund the difference. Some travel insurance policies cover price drops, but that is separate from Expedia's refund policy.
How long does a refund take after I call?
Expedia processes refunds to your original payment method within three to five business days after the call. Your bank may take an additional one to three business days to post the credit. If you do not see it after a week, call back with your confirmation number and ask for a refund status check.
What if the representative cannot solve my problem?
Ask to speak with a supervisor or escalation team. If the issue involves an airline or hotel policy, the representative may need to file a formal claim that takes one to two weeks to investigate. Request a reference number for your case so you can follow up by email or phone.