ebookers: Flight and Hotel Packages, ATOL Protection, Hotel Rates and Rewards

ebookers is a UK-based online travel agency, part of the Expedia Group, selling flights, hotels, car hire and flight-plus-hotel packages to travellers in the UK and several European markets. Prices are shown in local currency, and the site is built around holidays departing from the UK.

An ebookers booking goes well when you know whether a package or separate bookings is cheaper, what protection applies, and what the hotel rate actually includes.

Packages or separate bookings

ebookers packages bundle a flight with a hotel, and the hotel rate inside a bundle is often discounted in a way that is not available when booking the room alone. For city breaks and beach holidays, the package is frequently the cheapest route.

Always check. Price the same flight and hotel separately on ebookers and compare the totals, including bags. For short trips with cheap flights, separate bookings can win.

Package cancellation terms combine the rules for each part, and the strictest usually applies. If plans might change, check refundability before paying.

What ATOL protection means

Flight-inclusive packages sold to UK customers are generally covered by ATOL protection, which refunds or repatriates you if a travel company fails. Look for the ATOL certificate that ebookers should issue with a qualifying package booking.

Flight-only and hotel-only bookings are not normally covered by ATOL in the same way. Consider travel insurance, and pay by credit card for extra protection on larger bookings.

Reading ebookers hotel rates

ebookers hotel listings show several rate types for the same room. Pay-now rates are often cheaper and may be non-refundable; pay-at-hotel rates cost more but give flexibility. Read the cancellation deadline, which is set in the hotel's local time.

City taxes, resort fees and deposits are frequently paid at the property, not at checkout. The ebookers total may therefore be lower than what you actually pay. Check the fees section on each listing.

Room names vary between hotels. Compare room size and bed type rather than relying on labels such as superior or deluxe.

Flights and baggage

Many fares on ebookers are basic economy with no checked bag. Add bags during the booking or with the airline, whichever is cheaper, and check cabin bag rules, which are strict on budget carriers.

Some ebookers itineraries combine separate tickets on different airlines. If a delay on the first flight causes a missed connection, the second airline may not rebook you. Leave generous connection times on these trips.

Rewards and member prices

ebookers has run a rewards scheme and member-only prices for signed-in customers, especially on hotels. Sign in before searching; the lower member prices only appear once you are logged in.

Because ebookers belongs to the Expedia Group, its loyalty scheme has changed over time. Check the current terms for how rewards are earned and spent, and whether they apply to packages.

When prices are lowest

ebookers package prices follow school holidays closely. Travelling outside UK half-terms and summer holidays can cut the cost of the same holiday sharply.

January sales and last-minute deals both appear on ebookers. Booking early locks in flight prices; waiting can reward flexible travellers but risks paying more for popular dates.

Car hire and managing a booking

ebookers also sells car hire, often from the same major rental firms available elsewhere. Read what the ebookers price includes: excess cover, mileage limits, fuel policy and young or additional driver charges vary by supplier and can add a lot at the desk.

A full-to-full fuel policy is usually the fairest. Pre-paid fuel policies charge for a full tank and rarely refund what you leave in it.

Manage changes through your ebookers account rather than going straight to the hotel or airline, since ebookers holds the booking. Keep the itinerary number, the airline's own reference and the hotel confirmation in one place, and check the app a day before travel for schedule changes.

Where the ebookers savings are

The 12% code is the largest percentage listed for ebookers. Percentage codes usually apply to hotels, so it is best on a hotel-only stay.

The package code is a fixed amount off flight-plus-hotel bookings, in the booking currency. On a package, it is the natural choice, and it usually carries a minimum spend.

The 10% hotel code is the fallback if the 12% code is rejected. On a hotel bill of 500, the gap between the two codes is 10, so do not agonise over it.

ebookers codes generally exclude flight-only bookings, apply one per booking, and may need the app or a signed-in account. Check the discount appears before paying.

Common questions

Is an ebookers package cheaper than booking separately?

Often, but not always. Price both on the same dates.

Is my ebookers holiday ATOL protected?

Flight-inclusive packages usually are. Look for the ATOL certificate.

Do ebookers codes work on flights?

Usually not on flight-only bookings. Use them on hotels and packages.

Which ebookers code is best?

The package code on packages, the 12% code on hotels.