| Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
A flight delay doesn’t have to mean hours of waiting at a crowded gate. Expedia is expanding its One Key travel rewards program with new benefits designed to help members save money and navigate airport disruptions.
One new perk that could make extra time at the airport a little more comfortable?
Free lounge access for eligible loyalty members whose flights are delayed by more than 90 minutes.
The benefit applies to One Key Gold and Platinum members. To qualify, travelers must register their flights at least 24 hours before departure. Expedia will then monitor flight statuses and activate the benefit when an eligible delay occurs.
Expedia Just Added New Travel Perks, Free Airport Lounge During Flight Delays.
The program will initially run as a pilot through the end of 2027 as the company evaluates its effectiveness. Available options will include lounges in the LoungeKey network, such as The Club, Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium, and Aspire. Depending on availability, travelers may also receive access to other airport amenities, including restaurants, bars, spas, gaming lounges, and sleep pods.
If no eligible lounge or airport experience is available, qualifying members and their companions traveling on the same itinerary will receive $20 in OneKeyCash.
Expedia said some airlines will be excluded from the benefit but has not yet identified them.
The company announced the changes as part of a broader loyalty program update. “Travelers told us they want a loyalty program with rewards and perks that delivers real savings right away while helping them earn rewards for future trips,” Casey Lehman, Expedia Group’s vice president of loyalty, said in a statement.
Members will also receive discounted rates on CLEAR Plus memberships, which normally cost $219 annually. Platinum members can purchase memberships for $129, while Gold and Silver members will pay $179. Blue members will receive a discounted rate of $209.
Additionally, Gold and Platinum members will get automatic flight price-drop protection.
If a booked flight becomes cheaper, eligible members will receive OneKeyCash equivalent to the fare difference.
These new benefits are part of Expedia’s effort to give members immediate savings alongside rewards for future travel.
Although Expedia hasn’t publicly named any airlines excluded from its free lounge access, some major airlines may be.
Because of their built-in perks, major airline-branded lounges, such as Delta Sky Clubs, may be excluded.
Other major airlines could include United Clubs or American Airlines Admirals Clubs, which are generally excluded.
Expedia will notify eligible members directly via email and text message (SMS) with a link to their digital lounge pass when a qualifying flight delay is reported.
Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.
