is priceline legit

In the fast-moving world of online travel booking, we often ask if sites like Priceline are safe. Priceline is a well-known travel agency online. Checking if it’s safe and reliable for your trips is key. Travelers want to find trustworthy and affordable options.1

Priceline started in 1998 and is now famous in the travel world. It handles flights, hotels, cars, and cruises.1 With millions visiting monthly,1 Priceline is a top name online for travel. But, the big question is, can you rely on Priceline for your trips?

  • Priceline is a well-established and legitimate online travel agency
  • Priceline offers a wide range of travel services, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises
  • Priceline acts as a middleman, connecting travelers with travel providers
  • Priceline is known for its reliability and customer satisfaction
  • Priceline’s best price guarantee and cash back opportunities make it a popular choice for savvy travelers

Priceline links travelers with travel services, earning trust for being dependable. Though using a middleman for bookings might cause small issues, Priceline stands out.1 It offers best prices, cash back, or rewards, which travelers like for saving money.1

To check Priceline’s status, we need to know more about how it works. This includes what customers think and how to save money. Knowing all about Priceline helps us wisely choose if it’s good for travel needs.

What is Priceline?

Priceline is a popular online travel agency. You can find and book lots of travel services there. These include flights, hotels, rental cars, and even cruises.1 It started in 1998 and has grown a lot. Now, millions visit the site each month.1 Priceline works by showing you options from many companies at once, making booking easy.1

How Priceline Works

Searching on Priceline pulls together offers from different places. This helps you see all available choices and grab the best deals.1 Once you pick, Priceline handles the booking. It then tells the travel company, who makes sure your spot is saved.

Acting as a Middleman

Priceline acts as a priceline middleman. It joins travelers with companies offering travel services.1 This makes it easy to find many services and prices, possibly saving you money.1

Is Priceline Reliable?

Priceline is a known and trusted online travel service. It started in 1998 and gets millions of visits every month. This success shows it provides trustworthy travel help.1 But remember, when you book through Priceline, you’re really using a third party. This might cause problems if there are issues with your booking.2

Priceline’s Legitimacy

Priceline is under Booking Holdings Inc., which also manages Booking.com and Agoda. It offers flight, car, and hotel services.2 They have a unique policy that gives a bonus if you find a lower price on an Express Deal within 24 hours.1

Booking Through a Third Party

Although Priceline is legit, booking through an intermediary can sometimes be tricky. It’s vital that users check their bookings carefully. They should also work directly with the travel service. This helps avoid problems and makes the experience smoother.2

Ways to Get Good Deals on Priceline

Priceline has many ways for travelers to save money. They offer a best price guarantee. This means if you find a lower price within 24 hours, you can get a refund.3 They also work with shopping portals, where users can get cash back or reward points. Yet, remember, the Express Deals for hotels are great for big discounts, but you can’t change or get a refund on these bookings.3

Best Price Guarantee Policy

The best price guarantee is a key way Priceline helps you save. If you find a cheaper price after booking, you can get a refund.3 This is for flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. It’s a big win for Priceline users.

Get Cash Back When Booking

Through different shopping portals, Priceline users can earn cash back or rewards. This is a great way to save even more on Priceline deals. By combining these offers, travelers can make their savings soar.3

priceline deals

Priceline Express Deals for Hotels

Priceline’s priceline express deals for hotels offer big savings, but a mystery hotel. You won’t know the hotel name until after booking. You get details like the location, amenities, rating, and stars upfront. This mystery aspect can save you up to 60%. Yet, you won’t pick the specific hotel.

Using Priceline’s priceline hotel discounts can lead to great deals. For instance, you could save 22% on a 4-star hotel in Buffalo,4 or 17% on a 4-star place in Rochester, MI.4 In Minneapolis, imagine getting a 36% discount on a 4.5-star hotel!4 Savings as high as 48% in Chicago4 and up to 50% off a Marriott in New Orleans4 are not uncommon.

The Express Deals share info on what the hotel offers, like if it has a gym or a restaurant,4 helping you decide better. Remember, these bookings can’t be refunded, so pick wisely based on the star and guest ratings, plus location.4 Using the Priceline app can open up more deals, especially just before you travel.4

priceline express deals

is priceline legit

User Reviews and Experiences

According to reviews and user stories, Priceline sits well as a legitimate and reliable online travel platform.5 In the category of Flights Search Site, it holds an average score of 2.9. Reviews breakdown shows 72% 5-star, 16% 4-star, 4% 3-star, 1% 2-star, and 7% 1-star ratings.5 Many users praise their experiences with booking, customer service, and great deals found.5

On the flip side, a portion of users faced their own set of challenges. These included struggles with cancellations and discovering hidden fees, and difficulties with bookings through third parties.5 Some complaints highlight issues like booking failures, absence of emergency support, surprise fees at check-in, and canceling woes.5 In Canada, travelers lamented over additional fees and insurance mismatch problems on rentals via Priceline.5 Quite a few negative reviews vividly painted a picture of unsatisfactory customer service from Priceline.5

Just like with any other travel platform, users must closely examine terms and conditions, and confirm their bookings are in order.1 Priceline upholds a best price guarantee that promises a refund if a better deal is found within 24 hours post-booking. Plus, they offer up to a 200% refund of the price difference for a better deal found on an Express Deal.1

is priceline legit

Booking with Priceline Credit Cards

Savvy travelers looking to save big on Priceline bookings often turn to specific credit cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card is a top pick for its 3 points per dollar on travel, which includes1 trips booked through Priceline. Users can also leverage Rakuten to get up to 5 Amex Membership Rewards points for every Priceline.com dollar spent, multiplying their benefits.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card stands out as a must-have for those who frequent Priceline. It gives 3 points for each dollar you spend on travel, including1 what you book on Priceline. This means you can earn lots of rewards quickly for future travel expenses.

Priceline VIP Rewards Visa Card

The Priceline VIP Rewards™ Visa® Card is also a great choice, offering big perks for users of the Priceline website. It gives6 5 points on every dollar you spend on Priceline purchases. Gas and restaurant buys get 2 points per dollar, and all other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. Plus, new cardholders can snag a 10,000-point bonus by spending $1,000 in the first 90 days after getting the card6.

This card also grants6 automatic VIP Gold status, leading to up to 50% off select hotels, 20% off on rental cars, and an 8% coupon for Express Deals after each Priceline booking. On top of that, there’s no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and a 0% APR for the first 15 months on balance transfers completed within 45 days of opening the account.

priceline credit cards

Potential Issues and Drawbacks

Priceline is often reliable for booking travel. Yet, there are certain problems and drawbacks to note.7 Nonrefundable bookings are common, especially on deeply discounted rates like Priceline Express Deals. This makes canceling hard or even impossible.7 Users might also face hidden fees or taxes that weren’t clear at the start. These can push up the total cost of their booking on priceline booking issues.7 Before confirming any Priceline booking, it’s vital for travelers to read and understand the terms.

Cancellation and Change Policies

7 Priceline’s website and app are packed with deals such as VIP deals, Pricebreakers, and more. This variety makes finding the best price quite challenging.7 Keep in mind, offers differ between Priceline’s website and app. For instance, Pricebreakers are only on the website, while app-only deals like Tonight-Only Deals pop up on the app.7 Both the website and app miss out on earning loyalty points or using elite statuses during hotel stays. This is a downside for those after priceline cancellation policies rewards.

Hidden Fees and Taxes

7 Priceline’s limit is two people per room, which is less than most U.S. hotels that allow for up to four. This limit might not work for larger groups.7 It’s smart to use travel insurance from a credit card when booking with Priceline. This coverage could help with cancellations due to unforeseen events. Being alert to potential priceline hidden fees is a must for travelers.

priceline issues

Priceline Customer Service

Priceline’s customer service has a mix of reviews. Many users say it’s good. They mention the helpful staff who know a lot about booking and canceling trips.8 If you need help, you can reach someone at Priceline any time, day or night. They also have live chat help, which is great for getting quick answers.8

Positive Experiences

Some users really like Priceline’s customer service team. They found them quick and professional. The team is good at fixing problems, getting money back, and helping with bookings.8 And the best part? This help is free, which means Priceline cares about helping their customers.8

Negative Experiences

But, not everyone has had a good time with Priceline’s customer service. A few users faced problems getting through or waiting a long time for help.8 Their quickness score is 2 out of 5, according to Elliott, which isn’t great. And, they don’t give out an email for questions. They prefer you to call, but not everyone likes that.

Dealing with a big travel company like Priceline can have its ups and downs. It’s key to be hands-on and keep at it if you run into trouble. Knowing how to use Priceline’s help services can make your travel plans go smoother.

Tips for Using Priceline Effectively

Getting the most out of Priceline involves some key tips. Firstly, always check your bookings to make sure they are correct. Priceline is a trusted site, but being a middle-man means it’s wise to confirm directly with the travel company.

Double-Check Bookings

Reviewing booking details and confirming everything is vital. Confirm your booking numbers and watch for updates. This is crucial for deals that are non-refundable or heavily discounted, as these bookings offer less flexibility.1

Stack Savings with Portals

Maximize savings by using shopping portals and credit card rewards. Portals like Rakuten can give you up to 5 American Express Membership Rewards points for Priceline spending.1 Certain credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Priceline VIP Rewards™ Visa® Card, offer bonus points for Priceline buys.1 Combining these benefits means more savings on Priceline’s already great deals.

Following these steps and staying alert when you book with Priceline makes for a smooth and budget-friendly travel. It’s all about using the tools Priceline offers to your advantage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Priceline is a well-trusted online travel site. It offers big savings on flights, hotels, and cars. Since its start in 1998, Priceline has won over many customers each month.1 Even though using a third party for booking might have its risks, Priceline assures the best prices. It also gives money back and has partnerships with credit cards.13 Priceline’s bargain deals save more than $1 billion annually. Each transaction could save you around $240 thanks to their special deals.3

To make the most out of Priceline, it’s vital to know its strengths and weaknesses. This way, you can ensure a smooth and budget-friendly trip. Priceline stands by its best price promise. If you find a cheaper deal within 24 hours, they’ll refund the difference.1 Also, booking through Rakuten with Priceline can bag you valuable rewards. You could earn up to 5 American Express Membership Rewards points per dollar.1

Ultimately, Priceline offers significant savings. It’s a go-to for booking trips at lower prices. Yet, mastering how to use its features is key. With the right tips and understanding, Priceline proves to be a handy tool for travelers. It helps them score good deals on various travel services.13

FAQ

Is Priceline a legitimate and trustworthy online travel site?

Yes, Priceline is a trusted online travel agency with over 20 years of experience. It’s known for being reliable and making customers happy. You can book flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises through them.

How does Priceline work as an online travel agency?

Priceline is a go-between, linking travelers with travel companies to book trips. By using Priceline, you can look for and reserve different services. It gathers options from various providers to find you the best offer.

Can booking through a third-party like Priceline lead to issues?

Sometimes, booking through a third-party like Priceline can cause problems because the reservation isn’t direct. It’s key to check your bookings carefully. And, it’s a good idea to handle any issues directly with the travel company.

What are some ways Priceline helps travelers save money?

Priceline has several money-saving options. They offer a best price guarantee, let you earn cash back or rewards, and provide big discounts with Express Deals for hotels.

What are Priceline’s Express Deals for hotels?

With Priceline’s Express Deals for hotels, you can book a room at a lower price without knowing the name until afterward. This method can save you up to 60%. However, you won’t pick the exact hotel.

What do user reviews and experiences say about Priceline?

Reviews and feedback show that many people trust and like Priceline. They praise the ease of booking, customer service, and finding great deals. But, some have faced issues like hidden fees and trouble with cancellations.

What credit card options are available for Priceline bookings?

Priceline has various credit cards to suit your travel needs. Options include the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which earns extra points on travel, and the Priceline VIP Rewards Visa Card that gives bonus points for Priceline bookings.

What are some potential issues and drawbacks to be aware of when booking with Priceline?

Using Priceline might have some downsides, like strict policies on changes and cancellations, especially with the best deals. Watch out for hidden fees and taxes not clearly laid out. Always read the fine print on bookings.

How is Priceline’s customer service?

Priceline’s customer service feedback is mixed. Some customers had great help with booking and canceling. Yet, others mention problems like long waits, hard to reach, or difficulty solving issues.

What tips can help travelers get the most out of Priceline?

For the best Priceline experience, check your bookings thoroughly and make sure they’re confirmed. Also, use shopping portals and credit card perks to save extra on Priceline bookings.

Source Links

  1. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-priceline-legit
  2. https://www.littlehotelier.com/blog/get-more-bookings/priceline-review/
  3. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/priceline-guide
  4. https://ochristine.com/blog/review-priceline-express-deal-hotel
  5. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.priceline.com
  6. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/priceline-rewards-visa
  7. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/pros-and-cons-of-booking-hotels-with-priceline
  8. https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/priceline/

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