In this guide, we'll be explaining everything you need to know about cookies, validity windows, and commissions, and how they all work together to help you earn in the Expedia Group Affiliate Program. We store all updated information on cookie validity windows and commission values within the Affiliate Dashboard, under Key Commission Terms. Note that you are required to sign in to access this page.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small files stored on your audience's devices every time they visit one of our brand sites. They allow us to track when a booking is made via one of your links so that we can pay your well-earned commission.
Short answer: no!
As mentioned above, cookies have a validity window of 7 days for all brand sites and countries you send your audience to.
For example, if your audience decides to click one your links today, but exits the site and books 5 days later, the stored cookie allows us to still attribute the sale to you. They don't even need to re-enter the brand site via your same link.
Bookings outside the validity period
Unfortunately, if your audience books after 7 days, for instance, you will not earn a commission.
Competing affiliate links
We attribute commission on a "last click" basis. To illustrate, consider this simple example:As shown, the partner whose link was last clicked – Partner B – is the one who will receive the sale. As such, it's always best to encourage your audience to book as soon as possible.
Multiple devices
For you to receive commission, your audience must book on the same device that was used to click on your affiliate link. For example, if your link was clicked originally on a mobile, you won't receive commission if the same person books on their desktop device without clicking on one of your affiliate links using this same device. This is because we cannot track cookies across devices.