Expedia cancels hotel reservations because the price was too low, angering users, amid Trump tariffs and global inflation
Hotel rates vary greatly depending on the season, the day of the week, events taking place in the area, etc., so many people make reservations early to get the cheapest possible rate. On March 18, 2025, it was reported that a hotel unilaterally canceled a reservation made through the travel site Expedia because the rate was too low, causing a backlash from an American family who were looking forward to their spring break trip.
Expedia Hotel Cancels Booking Over 'Too Low' Rate, Sparks Outrage - News Zier
Sarah Mitchell, a teacher from Florida, had her reservation canceled by the hotel. Mitchell, who had been planning a family trip in April 2025, had made a reservation at a chain hotel in Miami for $150 (about 22,000 yen) per night. However, she suddenly received a call from the hotel saying, 'Sorry, this rate cannot be applied. Please find another place,' and she was no longer able to stay.
'We've been saving money for months and now we're scrambling,' Mitchell told international news site News Zier.
Expedia offered Mitchell a refund, but his trip was messed up and he ended up paying $250 a night to stay in a room at another hotel.
Mitchell is not the only one who has suffered such a disaster. A user who posted on the bulletin board social news site Reddit said, 'I successfully booked a special plan on Expedia, but a few days later I received a message from the hotel telling me to cancel because the price was cheaper.' In response to the user's inquiry, Expedia replied that the reservation was confirmed, so when the user informed the hotel, the hotel became furious and made an incoherent threat that 'if I don't cancel, we won't let you stay.'
This is due to the rise in labor and utility costs caused by inflation, which has led to travel costs in the United States increasing by 7% and hotel prices by 9% in February 2025. In addition to the current inflationary trend, inflationary pressure is expected to increase further due to President Trump's tariff policy.
The Miami hotel explained to Mitchell, 'We can't do $150 for a room that costs $200 (about 30,000 yen).' Expedia's rules allow hotels to cancel reservations if the fee is 'commercially unreasonable,' but users are complaining that they're losing time, money, and ruining their plans.
Mitchell said he wasted time and money by paying $300 in fees, and Expedia is 'investigating' his case.
News Zier said, 'Surveys show that 62% of Americans are concerned about rising travel costs. In the UK and Germany, where consumer rights are strong, there may be debate about regulations. And Canadians and Australians, hit hard by US tariffs, will find that travel is a costly luxury.'
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in Web Service, Posted by log1l_ks