When planning a flight, travelers often wonder if booking through online travel agencies like Expedia impacts their ability to earn airline miles. It’s a valid question, given the growing popularity of booking platforms that offer competitive prices and convenience. If you’re curious about whether you’ll still get credit with an airline’s frequent flyer program when booking through Expedia, here’s what you need to know.
Booking Flights Through Expedia and Earning Miles
The good news is that in most cases, can you get airline miles if you book through expedia. The process typically works as follows:
- Link Your Frequent Flyer Account: Before booking, ensure your frequent flyer number is added to your Expedia reservation. Most airlines allow you to earn miles as long as your ticket qualifies for their mileage program.
- Check Airline Policies: Airlines often have specific rules about which types of fares are eligible for miles. If your booking through Expedia is a standard economy ticket or higher, you’ll likely earn miles just as you would if you booked directly with the airline.
- Class of Service and Ticket Type: Note that deeply discounted fares or tickets categorized under special promotions may not qualify for miles. Check the fare details on Expedia before completing your purchase.
- Post-Booking Updates: If you don’t see your miles after the trip, you can contact the airline to request retroactive credit. You’ll need to provide your ticket details and boarding passes to verify eligibility.
Benefits of Booking Through Expedia
Expedia simplifies the booking process by providing access to multiple airlines and fare options in one place. This convenience, combined with the ability to still earn miles, makes it a popular choice for frequent travelers. However, there are a few nuances to keep in mind:
- Earning Status Miles: While most tickets qualify for earning regular miles, status miles (used for elite tiers) may be impacted if the fare booked on Expedia doesn’t match the airline’s eligibility criteria.
- Using Expedia Rewards: In addition to earning airline miles, Expedia has its own rewards program. You can accumulate points through bookings and use them for discounts on future trips.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
When booking through Expedia, there are a few scenarios that could hinder your ability to earn miles:
- Third-Party Consolidator Tickets: Sometimes, tickets purchased through third parties on Expedia may not qualify for mileage credit.
- Code-Share Flights: If your flight is operated by a partner airline under a code-share agreement, the earning potential may vary depending on the airline’s policies.
- Omission of Frequent Flyer Details: Always double-check that your frequent flyer number is correctly entered in the reservation.
Final Thoughts
Booking through Expedia is a convenient way to plan your trips, and you can generally still earn airline miles as long as you follow the necessary steps. Remember to verify fare eligibility and include your frequent flyer information during the booking process to maximize your rewards.
With careful planning, you can enjoy the benefits of Expedia’s flexibility while continuing to build your airline miles. Happy travels!