Expedia Loyalty Program Gets A Revamp

Travel search engine Expedia.com launched its revamped customer loyalty program, Expedia+ Rewards, on Wednesday. The new program offers a three-tier structure for members and now allows them to earn points on cruise bookings and activities, in addition to hotels, flights and packages as it did in the past.

Program members earn two points for every dollar spent on a cruise booking, hotel, package or activity. Flights yield a lower return: Members earn one point for every $5 spent on a booking.

Members can redeem points for hotel and flight bookings, charity donations and occasional exclusive event offers in New York and Los Angeles. The program offers a list of more than 1,400 hotels that offer special perks and can be booked for double value through the end of the year.

The changes are aimed at making the rewards program more accessible, said Marketing Vice President David Doctorow in a statement. “Over the last 18 months, we’ve incorporated real traveler feedback to improve the program by making it easier to earn points faster on nearly all parts of your trip, regardless of which hotel you state at or airline you fly,” he said.

The second silver tier of membership can be earned after booking at least seven qualifying hotel nights or $5,000 in annual purchases. It comes with opportunities for additional bonus points, access to exclusive amenities and other unique offers. The third gold tier is earned after booking 15 qualifying hotel nights or $10,000 in annual purchases. In addition to all other benefits, gold members are eligible for upgrades at 1,400 hotels worldwide.

Expedia joins competitor site Orbitz in offering a rewards program in an effort to promote loyalty among consumers who typically hop from site to site in order to find the best deals.