Is Priceline Legit? How to Find the Best Travel Deals? Answer is – Yes, Priceline is a legitimate travel booking website with a long history in the industry. It often offers deep discounts on hotels, flights, and rental cars. However, Priceline has some unique features like blind booking options (“Name Your Own Price” and “Express Deals”) where you don’t know the exact hotel or airline until after you pay. It’s important to understand these features and the potential trade-offs before using Priceline to get the best value for your travels.

Is Priceline Legit?

What is Priceline?

Priceline, founded in 1997, is a pioneer in the online travel agency (OTA) industry. It’s known for its unique bidding systems that allow travelers to potentially snag deep discounts on hotels, flights, rental cars, and even vacation packages.

Priceline operates under the Booking Holdings umbrella, a massive travel conglomerate that also owns Kayak, Booking.com, and more.

This means Priceline leverages a vast network of travel suppliers, often translating to competitive pricing for consumers.

How does Priceline work?

Priceline offers several ways to book travel, catering to different preferences and risk tolerances:

Traditional Search: Similar to other OTAs, you can search for hotels, flights, and rental cars based on specific dates, destinations, and preferences. Priceline will display available options with transparent pricing.

Name Your Own Price®: This is Priceline’s signature feature. You input your desired destination, dates, and hotel star-rating (or preferred airline), and then suggest the price you’re willing to pay. Priceline acts like an auction house, trying to match your bid with a supplier willing to accept it. If successful, your booking is non-refundable and you often won’t know the exact hotel or airline until after you’ve paid.

Express Deals®: Priceline shows deeply discounted hotels, but certain details (like the hotel’s name) remain hidden until after booking. You’ll see the general location, star-rating, and amenities, allowing you to make a somewhat informed gamble. Express Deals® are also non-refundable.

Sarah Nelson Expert Opinion

“Priceline’s ‘blind booking’ models appeal to a specific type of traveler,” says Sarah Nelson, a travel blogger with over a decade of industry experience. “Those who prioritize significant savings and have a sense of adventure can find incredible value, but it’s vital to understand the lack of control before committing.”

Is Priceline Legit?

When deciding whether to trust a travel website with your money and vacation plans, it’s wise to ask this question. Priceline has a long-standing history and offers several layers of consumer protection, which lend a strong degree of legitimacy to their operations.

1. Company History and Reputation

Establishment: Priceline was founded in 1997, making it one of the earliest players in the online travel booking market. This longevity shows stability and a degree of adaptability in a constantly evolving industry.

Better Business Bureau (BBB): Priceline holds an A+ rating with the BBB and is an accredited business. While customer complaints exist, this high rating indicates a commitment to resolving issues.

Booking Holdings: As part of Booking Holdings Inc., Priceline benefits from the financial backing and immense resources of one of the world’s largest travel conglomerates.

2. Customer Service Considerations

Support Channels: Priceline offers support via phone, email, and online chat. Their help center also has a searchable database of FAQs.

Mixed Reviews: Customer service reviews for Priceline are mixed. Some users report positive experiences resolving issues, while others cite frustration with long wait times or difficulty getting problems solved. Note that this isn’t exclusive to Priceline – most large OTAs have similar feedback.

Booking Modifications: Be aware that if you book through Priceline’s “Name Your Own Price” or “Express Deals” options, your ability to modify or cancel a reservation is extremely limited or non-existent.

3. Safety and Security Measures

Data Protection: Priceline adheres to standard industry practices for protecting sensitive customer data. Their privacy policy outlines data collection and usage.

Secure Payment: Priceline utilizes secure payment processing systems to protect your financial information during transactions.

Travel Insurance: Priceline offers optional travel insurance plans, which can provide additional coverage and peace of mind in case of trip disruptions.

Daniel McCarthy Expert Opinion

“Priceline’s track record and its place within a major travel corporation offer some reassurance,” notes Daniel McCarthy, a travel industry consultant. “However, as with any OTA, thoroughly reading the terms and conditions before booking is crucial, especially when using their less transparent booking options.”

How to Get Good Deals on Priceline

Priceline’s unique features make it possible to find prices that can beat traditional booking methods. However, success involves a bit of strategy and an understanding of the platform’s nuances.

1. Understanding “Name Your Own Price®”

The Bidding Process: You choose your destination, preferred hotel star-rating or airline, travel dates, and the price you’re willing to pay. Priceline attempts to match your bid with a supplier in its network. You can often submit multiple bids per day if unsuccessful.

Best for Flexibility: This model works well if you’re flexible on the exact hotel or airline, prioritizing savings over specifics.

Research is Key: Before bidding, research typical hotel rates in your target area through sites like Hotels.com or Kayak. Start your bid significantly lower (around 40-60% off) and increase incrementally if needed.

2. Using “Express Deals®” Strategically

Partially Hidden Deals: Remember, Express Deals show discounted hotels but obscure the name. You’ll see the star rating, general location, amenities, and guest reviews.

Calculated Risk: Choose areas where you’re familiar with hotels and utilize the filters to narrow down the possibilities. Priceline often reveals one hotel brand in the shortlist, further aiding your decision.

Helpful Tool: The website Priceline Express Deal Revealer attempts to predict hotels offered in Express Deals, adding some transparency.

3. Stacking Priceline with Other Discounts and Rewards Programs

Cashback Websites: Portals like Rakuten or TopCashback –  offer a percentage of your Priceline purchase back as cash, boosting savings.

Credit Card Rewards: Use a travel rewards credit card to earn points or miles on your booking. Some cards offer additional travel-related perks.

Priceline Rewards™: Priceline has its own loyalty program, Priceline Rewards™. You unlock increasing benefits with each qualifying trip.

4. Best Types of Travel to Book on Priceline

Priceline isn’t ideal for every trip, but it excels in certain situations:

Last-Minute Getaways: Hotels and airlines often want to fill unsold inventory, especially close to travel dates. This can work in your favor with Priceline’s bidding and Express Deals.

Hotels over Flights: Priceline’s deepest discounts are often found on hotels, particularly in popular destinations where the hotel supply is greater.

Solo or Budget-Focused Travel: If you don’t require the specifics of a luxury resort or need multiple connecting flights, Priceline’s trade-offs become more palatable.

Emily Collins Expert Opinion

“Priceline can be a powerful tool for the right traveler,” says Emily Collins, a travel blogger specializing in budget travel. “Embrace flexibility, do your homework on locations, and don’t be afraid of a little calculated risk for significant sadvings.”

Potential Drawbacks of Using Priceline

Priceline’s focus on deep discounts can sometimes come with certain limitations. Understanding these is crucial to making informed decisions about whether it’s the right booking platform for your needs.

1. Less Control Over Specific Hotels/Flights

“Name Your Own Price®”: The thrill of securing a bargain comes with sacrificing control. You won’t know your exact hotel or airline until after your bid is accepted and payment is made.

“Express Deals®”: While you see more details than with “Name Your Own Price®”, the hotel’s name remains hidden, requiring you to make a somewhat educated guess.

Tradeoff: If having a specific hotel or airline is a top priority, Priceline’s deepest discount options may not be the best fit.

2. Potential for Hidden Fees

Resort Fees: Some hotels, particularly in popular destinations, charge mandatory resort fees on top of the nightly rate. These fees are often NOT shown in Priceline’s pricing until the very end of the booking process.

Booking/Service Fees: Priceline sometimes adds additional fees during the checkout process. Read the fine print carefully before finalizing your purchase.

3. Customer Service Limitations When Issues Arise

Complex Bookings: Issues with “Name Your Own Price®” and “Express Deals®” can be harder to resolve due to their non-refundable nature and involvement of third-party suppliers.

Communication Barriers: Some users report difficulty contacting customer service or feeling like their concerns weren’t fully addressed.

Solutions: Patience and persistence are key. Document all communication with Priceline and if needed, consider escalating the issue through their social media channels or the Better Business Bureau.

Mark Harrison Expert Opinion

“Priceline’s customer service isn’t always the industry gold standard,” admits Mark Harrison, a travel consumer advocate. “If you anticipate complex travel needs or a higher chance of needing modifications, it may be worthwhile paying slightly more to book directly for greater flexibility.”

When Should You Use Priceline?

Priceline can be an excellent choice for certain travel scenarios:

Last-Minute Trips: If you’re planning a spontaneous getaway, Priceline’s bidding options and Express Deals® can snag unsold hotel rooms or flights at discounted prices as your travel date approaches.

Prioritizing Price Over Specifics: If your main goal is scoring the absolute lowest price and you’re flexible on the exact hotel brand or airline, Priceline’s potential for savings is compelling.

Booking Hotel-Only Stays: Priceline often offers its deepest discounts on hotels, particularly in destinations with an abundance of options.

Solo or Budget-Conscious Travelers: If traveling alone or prioritizing savings over luxury amenities, the trade-off between price and control can be worthwhile with Priceline.

Open to a Little Adventure: Embracing an element of surprise with “Express Deals®” can add a fun gamble for adventurous travelers who enjoy researching and making strategic guesses.

When Might Booking Directly Be Better?

There are times when booking directly with the hotel or airline can be the wiser choice:

Complex Itineraries: If your trip involves multiple stops, connecting flights, or special requirements, booking directly gives you more control and simplifies changes if needed.

Group Travel: Coordinating multiple travelers is easier when booking directly, ensuring everyone is on the same flights and has the desired room arrangements.

Specific Needs or Preferences: If you have loyalty status with a hotel chain, require specific amenities, or travel with a disability, direct booking is often best to communicate your needs fully.

Luxury or Business Travel: If a high-end experience with guaranteed specifics is a priority, paying full price for the peace of mind it brings is often preferred.

Peak Travel Periods During holidays or popular events, hotels and airlines may have less incentive to offer last-minute discounts through Priceline.

Sarah Lipton Expert Opinion

“Priceline isn’t a one-size-fits-all travel solution,” explains Sarah Lipton, a travel advisor with over 15 years of experience. “It’s a smart tool for certain situations, but understanding your individual needs and the nature of the trip is crucial for making the best choice.”

Tips for Using Priceline

1. Do your research on areas and hotel star ratings beforehand

Neighborhood Know-How: Before using “Name Your Own Price®” or “Express Deals®”, research your desired destination thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with neighborhoods, hotel options, and average nightly rates.

Star Ratings: Priceline’s star ratings are meant as a guide but can sometimes vary slightly from other hotel rating systems. Cross-check star ratings and read traveler reviews on sites like TripAdvisor for a comprehensive picture.

Mapping Tools: Utilize Google Maps or Street View to get a feel for the area where an “Express Deal®” hotel is located.

2. Be flexible with your travel dates

Maximizing Savings: If possible, having flexibility with your travel dates can increase your chances of snagging the best deals on Priceline. Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons or weekdays for potentially lower rates.

Bidding Strategies: If using “Name Your Own Price®,” try bidding for stays starting on Sundays or mid-week, as hotels might be more eager to fill these slots.

3. Consider the trade-off between price and control

Weighing Priorities: Ask yourself: Is saving the maximum amount of money more important than knowing the exact hotel or flight in advance? This answer will guide whether Priceline’s bidding options are right for you.

Risk Tolerance: If the thought of being assigned an undesirable hotel or airline causes anxiety, Priceline’s deepest discounts might not be worth the trade-off.

4. Read the fine print and understand cancellation policies

“Name Your Own Price®” and “Express Deals®” Caveats Bookings made through these options are usually non-refundable and non-changeable. Ensure you’re absolutely certain of your dates and okay with the potential risks before committing.

Traditional Bookings: Even with Priceline’s regular booking options, cancellation policies can vary across hotels and airlines. Review these policies carefully before finalizing your reservation.

Ben Walker Expert Opinion

“Preparation is a Priceline power user’s best friend,” emphasizes Ben Walker, a budget travel blogger. “The more informed you are about your destination and tolerant of flexibility, the greater your chances of finding incredible value.”

Conclusion

Priceline is a powerful tool for savvy travelers looking to score deals. Its unique bidding system and semi-opaque booking options can translate to significant savings compared to traditional booking methods. However, success with Priceline hinges on several factors:

• Flexibility: Being open to a slightly adventurous approach with hotel and airline choices is key for getting the best value.
• Research: Dedicating time to research desired neighborhoods, hotel options, and average prices will empower you to make informed bids and calculated decisions with Express Deals®.
• Understanding Trade-offs: Accept that Priceline’s deepest discounts mean less control over specifics and potentially limited customer service support if issues arise.

Priceline is NOT a one-size-fits-all travel solution. If knowing specifics, having complex trip needs, or requiring extensive support is a top priority, booking directly with hotels or airlines might be a better choice.

FAQs

Is Priceline safe to use?

Yes, Priceline is a legitimate, reputable company with a long history in the travel industry. They take measures to protect your financial and personal data.

Can I get a refund if I’m unhappy with my Priceline booking?

Refunds are rare, especially with “Name Your Own Price®” and “Express Deals®”. Always read the fine print before booking and consider travel insurance for extra protection.

Does Priceline offer price matching?

Priceline has a Best Price Guarantee for hotels. If you find a lower price on a competing website within 24 hours of booking, they may match the price or refund the difference.

Are there any alternatives to Priceline?

Yes! Competitors like Hotwire offer similar bidding and partially opaque booking options. Always compare prices across multiple platforms.

Where can I find Priceline reviews and complaints?

Sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and consumer review websites offer user experiences and feedback.