Expedia Announces War Time and Code Red Travel Policy

BELLEVUE, Wash., As part of its ongoing commitment to taking care of its customers, Expedia, Inc. EXPE today announced a travel policy that provides customers with flexibility in their travel planning during this current period of uncertainty with Iraq. The policy will be effective in the event of a declaration of war or a "code red" status alert issued by the Homeland Security Department.

The new policy waives cancellation penalties and change fees and provides full refunds for customers who cancel or change a hotel stay, car rental, or destination attraction or service booked prior to the declaration of war or code red status. The following details also apply:

• Hotels, car rentals, or attractions booked separately or within a package are eligible for the policy if travel is scheduled within 60 days of either declaration of war or code red status.
• Customers must call Expedia within 14 days after either declaration of war or code red status.
• For customers who have purchased airline tickets, Expedia will adhere to the individual carriers' policies. Most major airlines have announced flexibility in their change fees, and Expedia will work to facilitate ticketing changes on behalf of its customers, in accordance with the airlines' policies.
• For customers who booked a cruise, Expedia will adhere to the policies of the individual cruise lines and work to implement changes on behalf of Expedia customers.
• Trip insurance, cancellation waivers, and Ticketmaster(R) event tickets purchased on Expedia are not refundable.

"During this time of uncertainty, Expedia is focused on providing our customers what they need most -- flexibility and the most up-to-date travel related information," said Erik Blachford, president of Expedia, North America. "We are committed to responding to our customers' needs, and, should they choose to adjust their plans, we are here to help."

In addition to its new travel policy, Expedia, as always, will have customer service agents at 1-800-EXPEDIA available 24/7 to assist customers. Up-to-the minute travel information also will be provided on Expedia.com®'s Trip Assistance section (), where news editors monitor the always-changing travel landscape and deliver timely news and information, such as State Department notices and travel insurance advice.

About Expedia, Inc.

Expedia, Inc. is the world's leading online travel service and the eighth largest travel agency in the U.S. Expedia's award-winning Expert Searching and Pricing (ESP) technology delivers the most comprehensive flight options available online. ESP also allows customers to dynamically build complete trips that combine flights, Expedia® Special Rate hotels and other lodging, ground transportation, and destination services and activities. Expedia's quality and leadership have been recognized in awards such as PC Magazine's "Editors' Choice" and Forbes "Favorite General Travel Site." Expedia, Inc. is a majority-owned subsidiary of USA Interactive USAI.

NOTE: Expedia, Expedia.com, and the airplane logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the United States, Canada and/or other countries. Other products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.