Understanding the Expedia Affiliate Program (Now Expedia Partner Solutions)
The Expedia Affiliate Program is one of the most established and powerful partnerships available in the travel vertical. While historically known as the Expedia Affiliate Network (EAN), the program has been consolidated and rebranded under the umbrella of Expedia Partner Solutions (EPS). EPS is the B2B division of the Expedia Group, offering partners access to the massive inventory, pricing, and technology that powers brands like Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo, and others.
Partnering with EPS means gaining access to millions of properties, thousands of activities, and comprehensive travel packages globally. For content creators, travel bloggers, and niche site owners, this partnership provides a high-converting, high-value product offering that aligns perfectly with the needs of a travel-focused audience.
The Evolution from EAN to EPS
The transition from the Expedia Affiliate Network (EAN) to Expedia Partner Solutions (EPS) reflects a strategic shift toward deeper, more customized integration. EAN primarily focused on standard affiliate links and widgets. EPS, however, emphasizes robust technical solutions, including advanced APIs and white-label platforms, allowing partners to build fully customized booking experiences directly into their websites. This move ensures greater control over the user journey and maximizes conversion potential.
Why Partner with Expedia Group?
Expedia Group is a global leader in travel technology, offering unparalleled inventory depth and brand recognition. Key advantages for affiliates include:
- Global Reach: Access to inventory across 200+ countries and territories.
- Brand Trust: Leveraging the credibility of the Expedia brand significantly reduces friction in the booking process.
- High Average Order Value (AOV): Travel bookings, especially packages and long-term stays, result in substantial commissions per sale.
Commission Structure and Payout Details
Understanding the financial model is crucial for maximizing profitability within the Expedia affiliate program. EPS primarily operates on a commission-per-sale (CPS) model, often structured as a percentage of the revenue generated from the booking.
Unlike simple cost-per-action (CPA) programs that pay a flat fee, EPS typically utilizes a revenue-share model. This means the affiliate earns a percentage of the profit Expedia Group makes on the booking, after supplier costs are accounted for. This structure incentivizes affiliates to drive high-value, profitable bookings.
| Product Category | Typical Commission Rate (Revenue Share) |
|---|---|
| Hotels & Accommodation | 5% – 10% of the booking value (based on net revenue) |
| Flights | Generally lower, often a fixed fee per booking or package component |
| Rental Cars & Activities | Varies, typically 3% – 6% |
| Vacation Packages | Highest potential, based on the total package value |
Note on Cookie Duration: The standard cookie duration for the Expedia affiliate program is typically 7 days. This is a critical factor, as the travel booking cycle can be lengthy. Affiliates must focus on content that captures users close to the point of decision.
Payment Thresholds and Methods
Payouts are generally handled through the affiliate network platform that manages the EPS partnership (e.g., CJ Affiliate or similar networks, depending on the region and integration type). Affiliates must reach a minimum payment threshold (often $50 or $100) before commissions are disbursed, typically on a net-60 or net-90 basis following the travel completion date, ensuring the booking is not canceled.
Technical Integration Options for Affiliates
One of the defining features of Expedia Partner Solutions is the flexibility offered in technical integration, catering to both novice marketers and advanced developers. The choice of integration method directly impacts the user experience and conversion rates.
The EPS API: Deep Dive into Data Feeds
The EPS API (Application Programming Interface) is the most powerful tool available to partners. It provides direct access to Expedia Group’s massive inventory, allowing affiliates to query real-time pricing, availability, and property details. This is essential for building high-performance, customized travel sites.
Key Benefits of API Integration:
- Customization: Full control over the look, feel, and functionality of the search and booking process.
- Dynamic Content: Ability to create highly relevant, dynamic content based on user searches and preferences.
- Performance: Faster loading times and a seamless user experience, which is crucial for conversion.
Utilizing the API requires significant development resources but offers the highest potential for revenue generation and brand building.
White Label Solutions: Custom Branding
For affiliates who want a branded booking engine without extensive development, the White Label solution is ideal. This option allows partners to embed a fully functional, branded booking site powered by Expedia Group’s technology directly onto their domain. The user remains on the affiliate’s site throughout the search and selection process, maintaining brand continuity.
Affiliate Links and Widgets (Simpler Integration)
For bloggers and content sites focused on specific destinations or reviews, standard deep links and pre-built widgets remain the simplest path to monetization. These require minimal technical setup and are perfect for driving traffic directly from high-intent content, such as destination guides or hotel reviews.
How to Join the Expedia Affiliate Program (Step-by-Step Sign Up)
Joining the Expedia Partner Solutions program involves a formal application process to ensure the affiliate’s platform meets quality and compliance standards.
Prerequisites for Approval
Before applying, ensure your website meets these criteria:
- Established Content: Your site should have existing, high-quality content relevant to the travel niche.
- Professional Design: A clean, professional layout that instills user trust.
- Traffic Potential: While not always mandatory, demonstrating existing traffic or a clear marketing plan increases approval chances.
- Legal Compliance: Clear Privacy Policy and Terms of Service pages are essential, especially when dealing with consumer data and financial transactions.
The Application Process
- Identify the Entry Point: Determine whether you will apply directly through the EPS portal or via a major affiliate network that manages EPS (e.g., CJ Affiliate).
- Complete the Application: Provide detailed information about your website, target audience, and proposed integration method (API, White Label, or links).
- Review and Approval: The EPS team reviews applications based on quality, relevance, and compliance. This process can take several business days.
Once approved, affiliates gain access to the EPS partner dashboard (or the network dashboard). This is the central hub for managing campaigns, accessing tracking links, downloading reports, and viewing commission statistics. Regularly checking the dashboard is vital for optimizing performance and ensuring accurate tracking.
Review: Pros and Cons of Partnering with Expedia
Evaluating the program requires a balanced look at its strengths and weaknesses in the competitive travel affiliate landscape.
Advantages of EPS
- Unmatched Inventory: Access to a vast, constantly updated database of travel products.
- High Conversion Rates: The strong brand recognition of Expedia Group leads to higher trust and conversion rates compared to lesser-known booking engines.
- Advanced Technology: The EPS API offers cutting-edge tools for developers to create unique user experiences.
- Reliable Payouts: As a major global corporation, Expedia Group offers reliable and consistent commission payments.
Challenges and Considerations
- High Competition: The travel niche is saturated. Affiliates compete not only with other partners but also directly with Expedia Group’s own consumer sites.
- Technical Complexity: Utilizing the most profitable tools (like the API) requires significant technical expertise and maintenance.
- Cookie Duration: The 7-day cookie window is relatively short for high-ticket travel purchases, requiring focused marketing efforts.
- Commission Structure Nuances: Commissions are based on net revenue, which can sometimes be lower than expected if supplier costs are high.
Maximizing Earnings in the Travel Niche
Success in the Expedia affiliate program hinges on strategic content creation and targeted marketing.
Targeting High-Value Bookings
Focus your content on attracting users who are likely to book high-AOV products. This includes:
- Luxury Travel: Promoting high-end hotels and resorts.
- Long-Haul Packages: Bundling flights, hotels, and activities.
- Corporate Travel: Targeting business travelers who prioritize convenience and quality.
Content Strategies for Travel Affiliates
Effective content must address user intent at every stage of the travel planning process:
- Inspiration Stage: Use blog posts and guides (like those found on our blog) to inspire travel and introduce destinations.
- Research Stage: Create detailed, unbiased reviews of specific hotels or activities, integrating deep links.
- Booking Stage: Utilize White Label solutions or API integration on comparison pages to facilitate immediate booking.
Compliance and Disclosure Requirements
Transparency is non-negotiable, especially in the financial and travel sectors. Affiliates must clearly disclose their relationship with Expedia Group in accordance with FTC guidelines and the program’s editorial principles. Failure to disclose affiliate relationships can lead to program termination and legal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Expedia Affiliate Network (EAN) and Expedia Partner Solutions (EPS)?
EAN was the legacy name for the affiliate program, focusing primarily on links and widgets. EPS is the current B2B brand of Expedia Group, encompassing all partnership solutions, including advanced API access, white-label platforms, and the traditional affiliate program, offering deeper integration capabilities.
How long does it take to get approved for the Expedia affiliate program?
Approval times vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your proposed integration. Standard applications for link-based partnerships typically take 3–7 business days, while API integration approvals may require a longer review period.
Does Expedia offer an API for flight bookings?
Yes, the EPS API provides access to flight inventory, though the commission structure for flights is often less lucrative than for hotels and packages. Flights are typically used to complete high-value travel packages, maximizing the overall booking revenue.
Is the Expedia affiliate program suitable for new bloggers?
While the program is open to new sites, success requires significant traffic and authority in the travel niche. New bloggers may find it easier to start with simpler programs before tackling the technical requirements and high competition associated with promoting a global brand like Expedia. For general guidance, consult our FAQ.
What is the minimum traffic requirement to join EPS?
Expedia Partner Solutions does not publish a strict minimum traffic requirement. However, they prioritize partners who demonstrate high-quality content, a clear monetization strategy, and a professional website that aligns with the Expedia brand standards.
How often are commissions paid out?
Commissions are typically paid out monthly, but only after the travel service has been consumed (i.e., the hotel stay is completed or the flight has departed). This process usually results in a net-60 or net-90 payment cycle from the date of travel completion.
Get Started with Expedia Partner Solutions
If your platform is ready to handle high-volume travel traffic and you are prepared to leverage advanced integration tools, partnering with Expedia Partner Solutions offers a pathway to significant revenue in the travel vertical. Review the program details and begin your application today to access their global inventory and powerful booking technology.
Apply to Expedia Partner Solutions
Official Company Contact
For official inquiries regarding the Expedia Partner Solutions program, technical support, or partnership opportunities, use the following verified channels:
- Official Website: https://www.expediapartnersolutions.com/
- Parent Company:
- General Contact: Refer to the contact forms available on the EPS partner portal after signing up.
References
- Travel Technology Insights. 2025 Global Travel Affiliate Market Report: Focus on Partner Solutions. 2025. — This report details the shift toward deep integration APIs and revenue share models in the post-pandemic travel recovery phase.
- Expedia Group Investor Relations. Expedia Partner Solutions (EPS) Q1 2025 Performance and Strategic Outlook. 2025. — A summary of Expedia Group’s B2B performance, highlighting the growth and strategic importance of the EPS division.
- Affiliate Insider. Leveraging Travel APIs: Best Practices for High-Conversion Affiliate Sites in 2025. 2025. https://affiliateinsider.com/ — An analysis of successful affiliate strategies utilizing dynamic data feeds and API integration for personalized travel recommendations.
Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by eduhweb
