Expedia flight tickets 101: Everything you need to know before you book

When it comes to booking flights, Expedia is one of the most popular travel platforms available. It offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of options, and numerous travel tools designed to make your journey seamless.

Whether you’re planning a business trip, a family vacation, or a weekend getaway, knowing how to navigate the platform can save you time and money. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about booking flight tickets on Expedia.

What is Expedia?

Expedia is a global online travel agency (OTA) that provides travelers with the ability to search, compare, and book flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, cruises, and activities all in one place. Established in 1996, Expedia has become a key player in the travel industry, offering customers access to millions of travel options.

How to Book Flights on Expedia

Step 1: Visit the Expedia Website or App

Start by visiting the Expedia website or downloading the Expedia app on your mobile device. Once you’re on the homepage, you’ll see an option to search for flights. You’ll be asked to enter the following information:

• Departure and Arrival Cities: Choose where you’re flying from and your destination.
• Travel Dates: Select your departure and return dates (if applicable).
• Travelers: Enter the number of passengers and their ages (adult, child, or infant).
• Cabin Class: Choose between economy, premium economy, business, or first class.

Once you’ve entered this information, click on the “Search” button, and Expedia will display a variety of flight options for your specified criteria.

Step 2: Filter and Sort Flight Options

After the search results appear, you can filter and sort the options based on several factors:

• Price: Sort flights by the lowest price to find the most affordable options.
• Duration: Filter flights by shortest or longest duration if you prefer to minimize layovers or want more flexible travel times.
• Airlines: If you have a preferred airline, you can narrow down your options accordingly.
• Stops: Choose between direct flights or flights with one or more layovers.
• Departure Time: Filter based on the time of day you prefer to fly, such as early morning, afternoon, or evening.

Expedia’s flight search engine will show you a detailed overview of each flight, including the airline, departure and arrival times, total travel time, and the price.

Step 3: Choose Your Flight

Once you’ve found a flight that meets your preferences, click on the option to view more details. Expedia will provide you with an overview of the flight’s amenities, baggage policies, and seat options. You’ll also see whether the ticket is refundable or non-refundable, which is crucial if your travel plans are subject to change.

Step 4: Enter Passenger Details

After selecting your flight, you’ll be asked to provide passenger details. This includes your full name (exactly as it appears on your passport or ID), date of birth, contact information, and sometimes passport information if you’re traveling internationally.

Step 5: Add Extras

Before finalizing your booking, you may be given the opportunity to add extra services to your flight, such as:

• Travel Insurance: Expedia offers travel insurance to protect against unexpected events such as flight cancellations or delays.
• Seat Selection: Some airlines allow you to choose your seat for an additional fee.
• Baggage: If your ticket doesn’t include checked baggage, you can usually add a bag during the booking process.
• Upgrades: Depending on availability, you may be able to upgrade to a higher class, like premium economy or business.

Step 6: Payment

Once you’ve reviewed your flight details and added any extras, you can proceed to payment. Expedia accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, and sometimes even financing options through Affirm.

Step 7: Confirmation and E-Ticket

After payment is completed, you’ll receive a booking confirmation and an electronic ticket (e-ticket) that you can use to check in for your flight. Expedia will also send a confirmation email with your flight details, booking reference number, and instructions for check-in.

Types of Flight Tickets Available on Expedia

Expedia offers various types of flight tickets to cater to different travel preferences and budgets. Here’s an overview of the most common ticket types:

1. Basic Economy

Basic Economy is a low-cost, no-frills option that offers limited flexibility and amenities. With a Basic Economy ticket, you may not be able to select a seat, and you may have to pay extra for checked baggage. However, these tickets are often the most affordable option.

2. Standard Economy

Standard Economy tickets provide more flexibility than Basic Economy. These tickets allow for seat selection, and most airlines include a carry-on bag in the price. You can also often select your seat and make changes to your booking for an additional fee.

3. Premium Economy

Premium Economy tickets offer more comfort, including extra legroom, larger seats, and additional amenities like priority boarding and extra baggage allowance. These tickets tend to be more expensive but are a good choice for long-haul flights or if you want extra comfort.

4. Business Class

Business Class provides an elevated travel experience, with spacious seats, access to premium lounges, priority check-in, and extra services like fine dining and business-friendly amenities. This option is ideal for business travelers or those seeking luxury during their flight.

5. First Class

First Class is the highest level of service, offering the most exclusive amenities. Passengers in First Class enjoy spacious seats that may turn into fully flat beds, gourmet meals, and personalized service. This is typically the most expensive option but is perfect for travelers looking for the ultimate luxury experience.

How to Save Money on Flights with Expedia

1. Use Expedia Rewards

Expedia offers a loyalty program called Expedia Rewards, where you can earn points on your flight, hotel, and package bookings. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future bookings, making it easier to save on your next trip.

2. Look for Package Deals

Booking a flight as part of a package with a hotel and/or car rental can help you save money. Expedia often offers discounts for vacation packages, so bundling your travel services is a great way to get more for your money.

3. Sign Up for Price Alerts

If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can set up price alerts for flights on Expedia. When there’s a price drop for your desired route, you’ll receive an email notification, allowing you to book at the best price.

4. Book in Advance

As a general rule, booking flights in advance tends to get you better deals. Prices are often higher when booked last minute, so try to book your flight several weeks or months ahead if possible.

5. Use Discount Codes and Coupons

Expedia often offers promotional codes and discounts, especially around holiday seasons. Be on the lookout for these offers and apply them during checkout to save money on your flight booking.

Expedia Flight Ticket Policies

Baggage Allowance

Each airline has its own baggage policy, but most Basic Economy tickets do not include checked luggage, while Standard Economy and higher-class tickets usually do. Make sure to check the airline’s baggage allowance before booking to avoid extra fees.

Cancellation and Refunds

Expedia offers different refund policies depending on the airline and the type of ticket purchased. Non-refundable tickets are usually less expensive, but they come with the risk of losing your money if you need to cancel your flight. If you purchase a refundable ticket, you can cancel your flight and receive a refund, though there may be cancellation fees.

Changes to Flights

Many tickets allow you to change your flight, but doing so often incurs a fee, particularly for low-cost or Basic Economy tickets. Be sure to check the change policy before booking if you anticipate any changes to your travel plans.

Conclusion

Booking flights on Expedia is a simple and convenient way to plan your next trip, but knowing the ins and outs of the platform can help you make the most of it.

From understanding the different ticket types and exploring ways to save money to navigating flight policies, Expedia offers everything you need to book your next flight with confidence.

By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure you get the best deal, a smooth booking experience, and the most convenient flight for your needs. Happy travels!

Also Read

Southwest Airlines: Redefining affordable air travel in the U.S

Trip to Go: Your Ultimate travel planner for adventure seekers