Traveling to Los Angeles has always been a dream of mine. From the golden beaches of Santa Monica to the bustling streets of Hollywood, every corner of this city feels like stepping into a movie. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless ways to book flights and accommodations, and one method that consistently offers convenience and value is booking through Expedia. In this guide, I want to take you through my personal process of using Expedia to book a flight and hotel package for Los Angeles, sharing tips, experiences, and insights that I’ve learned along the way.
Finding the Right Flight
I usually start my trip planning with flights because securing the right schedule is crucial to making the most of my time in Los Angeles. On Expedia (https://www.expedia.com), I first enter my departure city, my destination—Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)—and tentative travel dates. One thing I’ve noticed is that flexible dates can save a surprising amount. I often use Expedia’s “Flexible Dates” tool, which shows prices a few days before and after my chosen dates. A flight departing mid-week often costs \$50–\$100 less than a weekend departure.
Once I see the flight options, I carefully examine the total travel time, layovers, and airline reputation. For domestic flights within the U.S., I tend to favor American Airlines, Delta, and United for their reliability and comfortable seating. I also cross-check prices on Google Flights (https://www.google.com/flights) and Kayak (https://www.kayak.com) to ensure I’m getting the best deal. Expedia often bundles incentives like free seat selection or discounted baggage fees when booking a flight plus hotel package, which is a significant advantage.
On one of my trips, I discovered a mid-afternoon flight with American Airlines that saved me nearly \$120 compared to my usual weekend departure. Booking this on Expedia was seamless, and I immediately received a combined confirmation for both the flight and the hotel I planned to stay at.
Choosing the Perfect Hotel in Los Angeles
After locking in a flight, I move on to hotels. Los Angeles is vast, so location matters. I usually target Hollywood, Santa Monica, or Downtown LA depending on the focus of my trip. On Expedia, I filter hotels by guest rating, amenities, and distance from attractions. Personally, I always look for hotels with free breakfast and Wi-Fi because it simplifies mornings when exploring the city.
One of my favorite stays has been the Loews Hollywood Hotel (1755 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028). The rooftop pool overlooking the Hollywood Sign is unforgettable. I remember sipping a cappuccino while watching the city wake up, feeling the energy of LA in the morning light. Booking through Expedia, I often find package deals that reduce the nightly rate by 10–20% compared to booking the hotel alone. For families, I check Expedia’s family-friendly filters to ensure rooms can accommodate everyone comfortably.
On another trip, I chose Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach (1697 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291). The rooms have a modern, airy feel, and the rooftop bar gives one of the best sunset views over the Pacific. Expedia’s package option included both the flight and a discounted three-night stay, which saved me nearly \$250 compared to separate bookings.
Why Flight + Hotel Packages Work for Me
Booking flight and hotel together on Expedia has saved me not just money but also time. One time, I booked a package for a long weekend in Los Angeles. The platform recommended a combination that matched my flight schedule perfectly and included a downtown hotel within walking distance of the Staples Center. I didn’t have to worry about coordinating arrival times with separate reservations.
The convenience of a single confirmation email and streamlined payment system cannot be overstated—it makes the pre-trip planning stress almost nonexistent. I also appreciate that Expedia’s platform allows me to modify or cancel packages if plans change, which has been a lifesaver during last-minute work shifts or family emergencies.
Step-by-Step Booking Experience
When I start booking on Expedia, my first step is to select “Bundle & Save: Flight + Hotel”. I enter my departure city and Los Angeles as the destination. I then browse the suggested hotel options alongside my preferred flight times. Expedia’s interface is intuitive; I can see the total package cost, individual flight and hotel pricing, and even loyalty points I can earn through Expedia Rewards.
After selecting a flight, I scroll through hotel options based on location, guest reviews, and amenities. I often prioritize hotels with pools, parking, and breakfast included, because Los Angeles traffic makes driving stressful, and having a meal ready in the morning reduces hassle. Once I pick a hotel, Expedia shows the combined package price, which is often cheaper than the sum of flight and hotel booked separately.
Payment is straightforward: I can pay in full or use Expedia’s “Pay Later” option for hotels while paying for the flight immediately. I personally like to pay in full because it gives me peace of mind and locks in the rate.
Personal Tips for Maximizing Savings
Over my many trips, I’ve picked up a few strategies for squeezing the most value out of Expedia packages:
- Use the “Bundle and Save” feature: Pairing flights with hotels or car rentals often unlocks exclusive discounts.
- Check for promo codes: Expedia frequently offers codes through its newsletter or app notifications. I once saved \$60 using a mobile-only promo.
- Book early or at the last minute: Early booking guarantees selection, while last-minute deals sometimes provide surprisingly low rates. I’ve snagged flights under \$150 from nearby states during off-peak weeks.
- Monitor price drops: Expedia’s “Price Match Guarantee” can refund the difference if the package price drops after booking. I’ve had two refunds this way, totaling nearly \$200.
- Consider off-peak travel: Flying to LAX mid-week or staying outside main tourist hotspots can reduce costs significantly.
- Sign up for Expedia Rewards: I accumulate points that I later redeem for free hotel nights or discounts on flights.
- Check alternative airports: LAX is busy, but sometimes flights into Burbank (BUR) or Long Beach (LGB) are cheaper and more convenient depending on my itinerary.
- Read hotel reviews thoroughly: I focus on recent reviews mentioning cleanliness, service, and location.
- Combine with car rentals when needed: If I plan to explore beyond the city center, adding a rental car in the same package often saves money compared to separate bookings.
- Use price alerts: Setting alerts on Expedia notifies me when the package price drops, which is perfect for flexible travelers.
Exploring Los Angeles After Booking
Once the package is booked, I immediately start planning what to do in LA. Staying in Hollywood, I enjoy walking to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, exploring Griffith Observatory, and catching a live show at the Hollywood Bowl. With Santa Monica as a base, trips to Venice Beach, Malibu, and The Getty Center become easy day trips.
Booking flights and hotels together on Expedia allows me to focus more on creating experiences rather than worrying about logistics. Knowing that accommodations are confirmed and travel is secured adds a level of comfort that lets me fully enjoy every moment in LA.
Additional Booking Platforms I Use
While Expedia is my go-to for packages, I often cross-reference with other U.S. travel platforms to ensure I’m getting the best deal:
- Priceline (https://www.priceline.com) – great for last-minute hotel deals.
- Orbitz (https://www.orbitz.com) – offers bonus rewards for booking multiple trips.
- Booking.com (https://www.booking.com) – excellent for flexible hotel reservations.
- Hopper (https://www.hopper.com) – predicts flight price trends for optimal booking times.
- Kayak (https://www.kayak.com) – perfect for comparing multiple airlines and flight times.
Cross-referencing helps me feel confident that Expedia is truly giving me the best value.
Personal Reflections on Booking Packages
Each trip I book through Expedia strengthens my appreciation for the convenience of bundled packages. From securing a comfortable flight to finding the perfect hotel in a prime location, the platform streamlines the entire planning process. I’ve experienced stress-free arrivals at LAX, knowing my hotel reservation is ready, my loyalty points are credited, and my itinerary aligns with the city’s highlights.
From casual beach strolls in Santa Monica to sunset dinners in Malibu, every moment feels more relaxed because the logistics are handled efficiently. I’ve learned that the key to a successful Los Angeles trip isn’t just the attractions—it’s having the confidence that your flights and accommodations are well-organized, letting the city itself shine.
Practical Advice for Fellow Travelers
If I could share one piece of advice from my repeated experiences, it’s this: plan your flight and hotel together whenever possible. The combination of Expedia’s package deals, flexible booking options, and rewards system turns what could be a stressful planning process into an exciting start to the journey.
Whether it’s your first visit to Los Angeles or your tenth, securing a flight + hotel package ensures more time enjoying iconic attractions like Hollywood Boulevard, Santa Monica Pier, and The Getty Center, rather than worrying about scattered reservations. And for anyone who loves savings, Expedia’s tools and promotions make it easy to maximize your budget while still indulging in comfort and convenience.
On Expedia Booking
Booking with Expedia has become a ritual in my LA travels. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about enhancing the travel experience from the moment I start planning. Every step, from searching flexible flights to selecting hotels with the best amenities, feels intentional and rewarding. By bundling my flight and hotel, I reclaim time and energy that I then spend exploring the city’s hidden gems, soaking in the sun on Venice Beach, or catching a live concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
Expedia’s package deals aren’t just transactions; they’re the foundation of a stress-free, memorable Los Angeles adventure. Each confirmed reservation brings me one step closer to the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable moments that only LA can offer.
