Expedia quick guide to cancelling a flight or hotel

Travel plans don’t always stay on track. Flights get rescheduled, plans change and sometimes a trip just needs to be called off. If you booked through Expedia and need to cancel a flight or hotel, the process is usually simpler than it sounds once you know where to look. Everything starts in one place: your Expedia account. By signing in and heading to Trips, you can view your booking details, check cancellation rules and see what options are available for your reservation. This guide walks you through what to expect when cancelling a flight or hotel booked on Expedia, and when it helps to reach out for a little extra support.

Cancelling a flight booked with Expedia

If you booked a flight through Expedia and need to cancel, everything comes down to two questions: who cancelled the flight and whether your ticket is refundable. Once you know which situation applies to you, the next steps are usually straightforward.

If the airline cancels your flight or makes a major change

When an airline cancels your flight or changes it significantly, you don’t have to travel if you don’t want to. In this case, you’re usually given a choice of how to move forward, such as rebooking onto another flight, selecting an alternative offered by the airline or choosing a refund instead. These options are tied to your specific reservation and will be reflected in your Expedia booking once the airline updates your flight.

If you’re cancelling the flight yourself

If the flight is still operating as planned and you’ve decided not to travel, the next step is to check whether your ticket is refundable.

If your ticket is refundable

You can cancel the flight yourself and receive a refund, as long as you follow the fare rules and timing shown in your booking. In most cases, this can usually be done directly through your Expedia account, without needing to contact customer support. You’ll be shown a summary before confirming any cancellation, so you can review the details before you finalize your choice.

If your ticket is non‑refundable

You generally won’t receive a cash refund, but you may still have options. Many airlines now offer a future flight credit instead, which you can use toward another trip. These credits are issued by the airline and often come with conditions, such as an expiry date or fare restrictions. Some low‑cost airlines handle changes and cancellations directly, which can affect how your options appear in your booking.

To see which of these options applies to your flight, sign in to your Expedia account and go to Trips, where your ticket type, fare rules and available choices are shown in one place. If you’re unsure which category your booking falls into, or your situation feels a little more complicated, Expedia’s customer support team is available to help explain your options and guide you through the next step.

Cancelling a hotel booked with Expedia

If you booked a hotel through Expedia and need to cancel, the most important thing to know is that hotel cancellations are controlled by the property’s policy. This means your options depend on whether your booking is refundable and whether you’re cancelling within the allowed timeframe.

If your hotel booking is refundable

Many hotel bookings offer free cancellation up to a certain point before check‑in. If your reservation is refundable and you cancel before the deadline shown in your booking, you can do it yourself and receive a refund. In most cases, this can be done directly through your Expedia account, without needing to contact customer support. Just keep in mind that refunds are only available if you cancel before the property’s stated deadline. Refunds are typically returned to the original form of payment, although the exact timing can vary by property and payment method.

If your hotel booking is non‑refundable

If your booking is marked as non‑refundable, a refund usually isn’t available if you cancel. However, that doesn’t always mean there are no options. In some situations, such as unexpected events or travel disruptions, a hotel may choose to offer flexibility, like waiving fees or providing a credit. These decisions are entirely up to the property and aren’t guaranteed. Because non‑refundable policies can vary, it’s worth reviewing your reservation details carefully before cancelling.

How to check your options

To see whether your hotel booking is refundable, check the cancellation deadline or start a cancellation, sign in to your Expedia account and go to Trips. Your reservation will show the property’s cancellation policy and whether you can cancel online.

If you don’t see an option to cancel or you’re unsure how the policy applies to your stay, Expedia’s customer support team can help review your booking and explain what options, if any, may be available.

When plans change, having clear information and the right support can make all the difference. If you’ve reviewed your booking and still have questions, Expedia’s Help Center is a great place to start. It’s packed with common FAQs and step‑by‑step guidance for flights, stays and cancellations. If you need more personalized help, you can connect with Expedia’s virtual agent or choose to speak with a human customer support agent. To access all of these options, simply sign in to your Expedia account and use the Support link.

And when you’re ready to plan your next getaway, you can explore Expedia’s latest flights and stays to start booking with confidence.