Is Priceline owned by Expedia?

Is Priceline owned by Expedia?

Yes, Priceline and Expedia are two separate and distinct companies in the online travel industry. Priceline is owned by Booking Holdings, which is a conglomerate that operates various travel fare aggregators and travel fare metasearch engines. Expedia, on the other hand, is a stand-alone company that operates as an online travel agency.

Priceline, founded in 1997, gained popularity with its “Name Your Own Price” feature, allowing customers to bid on hotel rooms, flights, rental cars, and other travel services. Over the years, Priceline has expanded its offerings to include traditional booking methods, such as directly searching for hotels and flights. Priceline operates its own website and mobile app, providing users with a platform to compare prices and book their desired travel services.

Expedia, founded in 1996, is also a major player in the online travel industry. It operates several online travel brands, including Expedia.com, Hotels.com, Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotwire, and others. Expedia offers a wide range of travel services, from flights and hotels to car rentals and vacation packages. The company is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive search options, making it a go-to platform for many travelers.

Despite both companies being prominent players in the online travel industry, there is no ownership connection between Priceline and Expedia. They are competitors in the market, striving to attract customers with competitive prices, superior user experiences, and a vast selection of travel options.

FAQs about Priceline and Expedia

1. Can I book flights and hotels on Priceline?

Yes, Priceline offers a comprehensive online platform where users can book flights, hotels, rental cars, vacation packages, and cruises. The website and mobile app provide a convenient way to search for and compare prices, read reviews, and make reservations for various travel services.

2. Does Expedia own Booking.com too?

No, Expedia does not own Booking.com. Booking.com is also a part of Booking Holdings, the same parent company that owns Priceline. Booking.com is a popular online travel agency specializing in hotel bookings worldwide.

3. Can I cancel or modify my reservations on Priceline?

Priceline has different cancellation and modification policies depending on the type of reservation and the specific hotel, airline, or car rental company involved. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of your reservation and contact Priceline’s customer support for assistance with cancellations or modifications.

4. Is Priceline cheaper than Expedia?

Both Priceline and Expedia offer competitive pricing on travel services, but the prices can vary depending on the specific dates, destinations, and providers. It’s recommended to compare prices on both platforms and consider any additional benefits or promotions offered to determine which option is more cost-effective for your travel needs.

5. Can I use loyalty points or rewards on Priceline or Expedia?

Both Priceline and Expedia have loyalty programs that allow customers to earn points and rewards for their bookings. These points can often be used to save money on future travel purchases or unlock additional perks. It’s advisable to sign up for the loyalty programs and take advantage of the benefits they offer.

6. Do Priceline and Expedia offer customer support?

Yes, both Priceline and Expedia provide customer support through various channels, including phone, email, and live chat. If you have any questions, issues, or need assistance with your bookings, you can reach out to their customer support teams for help.

7. Can I find last-minute deals on Priceline and Expedia?

Both Priceline and Expedia offer last-minute deals on flights, hotels, and vacation packages. These deals are often discounted to fill up unsold inventory or to attract spontaneous travelers. It’s worth checking their platforms regularly for any last-minute offers that may suit your travel plans.

8. Are Priceline and Expedia reliable for booking travel?

Priceline and Expedia are trusted and well-established players in the online travel industry. However, it’s always advisable to read reviews, compare prices, and check the terms and conditions before making any bookings. As with any online transactions, it’s important to exercise caution and ensure that the travel services meet your expectations.

9. Can I book international travel on Priceline and Expedia?

Yes, both Priceline and Expedia offer the option to book international travel, including flights, hotels, and other travel services. They have a wide range of destinations available, giving customers the flexibility to plan and book their international trips with ease.

10. Do Priceline and Expedia have mobile apps?

Yes, both Priceline and Expedia have mobile apps that provide users with the convenience of booking travel services on their smartphones or tablets. The apps offer similar functionalities as their respective websites, allowing users to search, compare, and book flights, hotels, and more while on the go.

11. Can I earn airline miles or hotel points on Priceline and Expedia?

Priceline and Expedia do not typically offer airline miles or hotel points for bookings made through their platforms. However, they have their own loyalty programs that allow customers to earn points and rewards directly with their respective companies. It’s advisable to check the terms and conditions of their loyalty programs for more details.

12. Are there any additional fees when booking through Priceline or Expedia?

Priceline and Expedia may charge additional fees, such as booking fees or service fees, for some reservations. These fees are usually disclosed during the booking process, so it’s important to review the total cost before confirming your reservation. Additionally, some hotels or airlines may have their own specific fees or policies that apply.