Orbitz Refund & Cancellation Policy Explained

When planning your next trip, it’s important to be clear on how cancellation and refund policies work to avoid any surprises. Orbitz, a well-known online travel agency, tries to make it easy for you to manage your bookings, even when plans change unexpectedly. This guide breaks down the key points of Orbitz’s cancellation and refund rules, helping you handle your travel plans with confidence, whether you’ve booked many trips before or it’s your first time using their service. From dealing with cancellation fees to checking on your refund status, we’ll walk you through what you need to know.

What Is The Cancellation Policy For Orbitz?

Orbitz's cancellation policy varies depending on the type of booking you've made, such as flights, hotels, vacation packages, cars, cruises, or activities. Generally, flexibility is offered for many bookings, especially if canceled within a specific timeframe. For instance, some flight bookings may qualify for a full refund if canceled within 24 hours of reservation. Similarly, most hotels provide a full refund if canceled before their specified deadline. However, it's important to note that certain bookings, like some hotel rooms or activities, are non-refundable, meaning you won't receive money back if you cancel. Always check the specific rules and restrictions provided in your confirmation email or itinerary for precise details on your booking's eligibility.

For vacation packages, cancellations within 24 hours of booking may qualify for a full refund. After this initial period, cancellation fees may be passed on from the airline, hotel, car rental company, or activity provider. Prepaid car bookings often require cancellation at least 6 hours before pick-up for a refund, and early returns for cars are typically not refunded for unused time. Cruise bookings may be eligible for a full refund if canceled up to 90 days before departure, while most activities allow refunds if canceled before their deadline, though some are non-refundable.

How Do I Cancel An Orbitz Reservation?

Cancelling your Orbitz reservation is designed to be a simple process, primarily handled online through your account.

1. Log into your Orbitz account and go to the "Trips" section.
2. Find and select the trip you want to cancel.
3. Click on "Manage booking."
4. For flights, look for the cancel option and follow the prompts to proceed.
5. For hotels, cars, cruises, or activities, open your itinerary under "Trips" and choose the option to change or cancel online.
6. Review the policies, restrictions, fees, and refund details that Orbitz shows before confirming your cancellation.
   
   Note: Some airlines, especially low-cost ones, require you to cancel or change your flight directly with them. In these cases, Orbitz will provide the airline’s contact info in your itinerary or confirmation email.
7. If you booked a package including a flight with such an airline:

• First, cancel or change the flight directly with the airline.
• Then, manage the other parts of your package (hotel, car, etc.) through the Orbitz "Trips" page or by contacting their virtual agent.

If you don’t see an option to cancel online, it could be because your booking is too close to the check-in date or it’s non-refundable. In this case, contact Orbitz customer service for help.

Does Orbitz Charge Extra Fees When You Change Or Cancel?

Orbitz itself may not always charge extra fees, but cancellation fees can certainly apply, originating from the airline, hotel, car rental company, or activity provider. These fees are then passed on to you. The amount of the cancellation fee can vary greatly, depending on the specific booking and the timing of your cancellation. For instance, if you cancel a non-refundable flight, you typically won't get a monetary refund but might receive a flight credit for future use instead.

Before heading off on your next trip, it’s smart to get familiar with how cancellation and refund policies work so there are no surprises along the way. Orbitz, a well-known travel platform, makes it easy to manage your bookings—even when your plans shift unexpectedly. This guide outlines the key parts of Orbitz’s cancellation and refund policies, helping you stay on top of your travel arrangements whether you’re a frequent traveler or booking for the first time. From potential fees to refund timelines, we’ll cover the basics you need to keep in mind.

What Are The Refund Terms At Orbitz?

Orbitz offers various refund options, including full refunds, partial refunds, or credit vouchers, depending on the specific booking and its associated policies. For eligible cancellations, refunds are typically processed back to your original method of payment. This means if you paid with a debit card, the refund will go back to that card. Orbitz will send you an email detailing the refund amount and the expected timeline for its arrival.

It's important to differentiate between refunds from Orbitz and refunds from third parties. If your credit card statement shows a charge from a third party like a low-cost airline, rental car company, or cruise line, your refund will come directly from them, not from Orbitz. In such cases, you'll need to contact that third party directly to inquire about your refund status. If you've paid a deposit or partial payment, you'll be refunded that amount minus any applicable fees. Price Drop Protection for flights can also lead to an automatic refund process after your trip, if applicable.

What Is The Refund Processing Time At Orbitz?

Once Orbitz processes your refund, it may take up to 24 hours for the initial processing. After that, your bank or payment service, such as PayPal, handles the rest of the transaction. It's important to allow them typically 7 business days to post the credit to your account. In some cases, it may take up to 2 billing cycles for the credit to appear on your statement, depending on your bank's policies.

Orbitz provides a convenient way to track your refund status. You can use their Virtual Agent by clicking "Chat now," and the agent will guide you to your refund status. While Orbitz initiates the refund promptly, the final timing of the credit appearing in your account is largely dependent on your financial institution. If you have any concerns about a refund that seems delayed beyond the expected timeframe, after checking with your bank, you can follow up with Orbitz customer service.

Are Exchanges Possible With Orbitz Bookings?

While the term "exchange" isn't explicitly used in the provided policy, the ability to change or modify bookings effectively serves a similar purpose. Instead of a direct exchange, you typically modify your existing reservation. For example, if you need to change a flight, you would go to your "Trips" section and select the option to change the booking. If eligible, you would be presented with options to adjust your travel dates or times.

In situations where a flight is non-refundable, an exchange might not be possible for a cash refund. However, airlines may offer a flight credit that you can use for a future booking, which acts as a form of exchange for new travel. Similarly, for other travel components like hotels or car rentals, if you need to change your dates, you would modify the reservation. Any difference in fare or rate, along with potential change fees, would apply. The specifics of whether a modification is possible and what costs are involved depend entirely on the terms and conditions of your original booking.

How To Modify Your Orbitz Reservation Without Canceling?

Modifying your Orbitz reservation without outright canceling is often an option for various types of bookings.

1. Log into your Orbitz account and go to the "Trips" section.
2. Select the booking you want to modify from your itinerary.
3. Look for the option labeled "Change booking" or something similar.
4. Review the available options to adjust your reservation, such as changing dates, times, or other details depending on the service.
5. Check the policies and any fees that might apply before confirming your changes. Fees may come from the airline, hotel, or other providers.
6. If you don’t see an option to change your booking online or if you run into problems, contact Orbitz customer service for help.
7. For flights with certain airlines, especially low-cost carriers, you may need to make changes directly with the airline first.
8. After adjusting the flight, modify any other parts of your package (if applicable) through Orbitz.

What Happens If The Host Cancels Your Orbitz Booking?

If your Orbitz booking is canceled by the host, such as an airline delaying or canceling a flight, or a hotel canceling your reservation, you typically have certain rights and options. In the case of airline-initiated flight delays or cancellations, the airline may offer you the choice to select a new flight or receive a refund. Orbitz recommends checking the airline's website directly for the most up-to-date flight status information during times of travel disruption.

For other bookings where the host cancels, you should receive notification and information regarding your options. In such situations, Orbitz aims to assist you. If you need to make changes or cancel your booking due to a host cancellation and cannot do so online, or if the airline has a policy to waive cancellation fees for such events, you should contact Orbitz customer service for guidance and assistance. Your travel insurance policy may also cover unforeseen events that lead to cancellations, so it's always a good idea to review your policy.

How Can I Get In Touch With Orbitz Customer Service?

Getting in touch with Orbitz customer service is straightforward, with several options available to assist you. For general inquiries or to track your refund status, the quickest method is often to use their Virtual Agent, accessible by clicking "Chat now" on their website. This virtual assistant can guide you through common questions and processes.

If you need more direct assistance for specific booking issues, changes, or cancellations that cannot be handled online, contacting Orbitz directly is necessary. For example, if you don't see an online cancellation option for your hotel, or if your flight is affected by extenuating circumstances and you need to submit a request, reaching out to customer service is the recommended step. While specific phone numbers aren't listed in the provided text, their online platform typically provides contact methods for various needs. Remember that for certain low-cost airlines or third-party charges, you might need to contact those providers directly.

The Bottom Line

Before your next trip, it’s a good idea to be clear about how cancellation and refund policies work to avoid any unexpected issues. Orbitz, a popular online travel site, aims to make it simple to handle your bookings, even if your plans change at the last minute. This guide explains the main details of Orbitz’s rules for cancellations and refunds, so you can take care of your travel plans smoothly, whether you're experienced or booking for the first time. From cancellation fees to refund updates, we’ll walk you through the essentials.