When it comes to booking travel accommodations, two names are really popular in the online travel industry: Priceline and Expedia. Each of them has a significant following over the years, along with some distinct services and features. How do these two travel giants compare regarding user experience, pricing, and loyalty programs, and other factors? All important details are given here for you to make better decisions which one would suit your needs.
How Do Priceline and Expedia Compare in Pricing?
Price plays a huge role in travel booking. Priceline and Expedia both present good deals, but the way that each site sets their prices is different. Priceline has a section called “Name Your Own Price,” where you can actually bid on a lower price. On the other hand, Expedia has straight pricing and promises a “Best Price Guarantee,” meaning they will match a lower price if you find it elsewhere.
Priceline Pricing Strategy:
- Name Your Own Price: Priceline lets you bid on hotels, flights, and rental cars, which sometimes secures a very discounted price. However, its users don’t know the details of the booking until the last second, which might be disadvantageous to someone who likes everything laid out in advance.
- Express Deals: Priceline’s Express Deals feature aggressive discounts on accommodations, flights, and car rentals. These express deals are sold at a set price, but the catch is that the consumer won’t know the hotel details, the flight details, or the car rental details until after paying for those bookings.
- Pricing Structure Confusion: Priceline’s website often posts the base cost but then adds fees and taxes after, which can make it very difficult to compare them on any other website.
Expedia Pricing Strategy:
- Clearer Prices: Expedia’s pricing is very clear, showing all the prices upfront with taxes and fees included. Their best price guarantee states that in case of finding a lower price elsewhere, they will match it or beat it.
- Members only discounted rates: This further makes Expedia attractive for frequent travelers since there are only special discounts given to members of their rewards program.
- Rewards Points: Expedia offers rewards on every booking with the chances to redeem them for discounts during other bookings.
Which Platform Has a Better User Interface and Navigation System?
For a travel website, the ease of experience while booking travel is important. If the site is difficult to navigate or full of mess, customers get frustrated. Both Priceline and Expedia have user-friendly sites, though there are differences in design and functionality.
User Interface of Expedia:
- Clean and intuitive design: Expedia website and app both have a clean designing, making them easy to navigate. Their layout is logical and presents options in an intuitive manner so that users easily spot their hotel, flight, or rental car.
- Advanced Filters: Expedia provides detailed filters, helping users narrow down their options based on preferences such as price, amenities, and user ratings.
- Visual: The site is visually attractive with big images that clearly depict what accommodation will be.
Priceline’s User Interface:
The website of Priceline isn’t really difficult, even though there are lots of deals and offers on the site’s home page. It feels a bit crowded, but definitely some users find a more minimalist style better.
- Simple Navigation for Deals: Although messy, Priceline does have an easy-to-use layout to access Express Deals and other promotions.
- Easy Search Functions: The user can still find deals easily, but the information is easy to focus.
Which Platform Has the Better Rewards and Loyalty Programs?
Loyalty programs are a great way for frequent travelers to earn discounts and perks. Both Priceline and Expedia have their own rewards programs, but Expedia’s offer better benefits.
Expedia Rewards Program
- Points on Every Booking: Expedia’s reward scheme allows users to earn points on each booking done on their website. The points earned can be used for the discount granted on future trips. It is excellent for individuals who frequently use it.
- Membership Benefits: Expedia Rewards members get extra benefits, like free room upgrades, special deals, and help with travel plans through personalized services. The scheme helps ensure repeat bookings.
- Tier System for More Perks: Expedia has several tiers in the rewards program, with the rewards increasing for customers with more bookings.
Priceline VIP Program:
- Free Membership: The Priceline VIP membership is free to get. The member gets discounted prices on exclusive hotels, flights, and car rentals.
- Fewer Benefits than Expedia: Although Priceline offers discounts for its VIP members, the rewards program does not compare to the level of perks Expedia provides. There are no tiered benefits or personalized deals.
- Special Offers for VIP Members: Priceline VIP members have limited-time offers, but these don’t flex as much as Expedia.
Which One Offers a Better Selection of Hotels, Flights, and Rental Cars?
The variety of options that a travel platform offers can significantly impact the user experience. Both Priceline and Expedia offer a wide selection of hotels, flights, and rental cars, although both platforms have different selections.
Selection on Expedia
- Over 700,000 Hotels Worldwide: Expedia boasts of accommodating over 700,000 hotels across the globe, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts. The search can be filtered by location, price, and amenities for a far more personal search process. Moreover, the website offers travel tickets from over 500 airlines and car rentals from every major company, giving travelers a wide range of options for their trips..
- Bundle Offers: Expedia makes hotel, flights, and rental car bundle deals possible so that users can save extra in one neat package for their travel plans-all at one location.
Selection on Priceline:
- More than 300,000 Hotels Worldwide: Priceline has more than 300,000 hotels. However, there is a strong emphasis on great deals and discounts. Its selection, though, is not as expansive as that of Expedia.
- Flight and Rental Car Options: Priceline also offers a strong selection of flights from more than 600 airlines and numerous car rental providers, giving travelers a variety of choices.
- Mystery Hotels for Discounts: Priceline’s “mystery hotel” feature allows tourists to save money by booking mystery hotels while details only appear after booking-a good deal, but not very transparent.
Which Platform Has the Best Customer Service?
Customer support is very important in helping sort out problems with booking or if an unexpected situation arises during travel. While each company offers customer support, their responsiveness varies as well.
- Expedia Customer Service: Responsive and Supportive: Expedia’s customer service is more responsive and helpful compared to Priceline. It also has a relatively quicker time frame for an issue resolution.
- Several Contact Options: Expedia provides the options to reach out via phone, live chat, or email to support its customers.
- 24/7 Support: Expedia’s support is accessible 24/7, which is really important for consumers as they are most likely in other time zones or may have urgent problems while traveling.
Priceline Customer Service:
- Slower Response Times: Priceline’s customer service is often criticized for being slower and less helpful compared to Expedia’s. Some users report frustration with long wait times.
- Limited Channels: Priceline offers phone, email, and live chat support, but users have reported that responses can take longer than expected.
- No 24/7 Support: Priceline does not offer round-the-clock support, which could be an issue for travelers facing urgent needs.
Is it better to book with Expedia or Priceline?
Priceline and Expeline offer the same prices and services almost however which one would work better depends on your priorities.
Go for Expedia if you enjoy the ability to have an easy-to-use interface, good customer service, a good loyalty program, and transparent pricing. Expedia offers convenient mobile apps and a wide variety of options that are best for travelers who require a hassle-free experience.
When you are flexible and willing to work within Priceline’s Name Your Own Price feature, you might find very low rates. And if you are a spontaneous planner, you’ll appreciate that Priceline is one of the better sites for finding last-minute deals.
Are Priceline and Expedia the same company?
While Priceline and Expedia are both huge players in travel, the same company does not own the two. Instead, each is a separate entity, offering essentially the same services under different brand names.
Expedia Group operates several well-known brands, including Hotels.com, Orbitz, and Vrbo, as well as operating under the Expedia.com name.
Priceline is owned under Booking Holdings, which owns such big brands as Booking.com, Agoda, and Kayak. Both companies are distinct, with their own user basis and focus.
Conclusion:
Finally, Priceline and Expedia each have advantages that may make more sense to you depending on your travel style. If you prefer flexibility with price and enjoy additional rewards from loyalty, then Priceline might be the answer for you. However, if you like to ensure transparent prices, hassle-free service from their customer support team, and travelling with numerous options, Expedia could be the best way to go. Either way, both allow for great planning tools for your next journey!