Expedia.com Launches New Accessibility Search Tools for Disabled Travelers

BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Expedia.com®, the world's leading online travel agency, has launched a unique suite of search tools designed to help disabled travelers find and book accessible accommodations.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100106/AQ33533LOGO)

Travelers in the U.S. can now visit Expedia.com to search for lodgings in the U.S. that offer accommodations including accessibility equipment for the deaf, accessible bathrooms, accessible paths of travel, Braille or raised signage, in-room accessibility, a roll-in shower and more.

Once a traveler finds suitable accommodations, they can request one or more of the specific accessibility features on Expedia.com's online Reservation Page. The Expedia.com Customer Service team will review the request and contact the hotel to ensure that the specific traveler requests are met, and will contact the traveler directly to confirm the reservation or to offer to locate a similar room at an equivalent rate at another hotel.

Expedia.com's call center has fielded approximately 500 requests per week utilizing this functionality since its initial rollout in August of 2009.  Expedia.com offers more than 15,000 hotels that publish accessibility options.

"We are thrilled to offer this new functionality to our travelers," said John Morrey, vice president, Expedia.com. "It was a much-needed part of the online travel booking process and we are proud to be able to meet the needs of disabled travelers who require accessible accommodations."

Expedia.com continuously updates its services to meet the changing needs of all travelers. Tools such as Fare Alert, Deal Finder, Seat Guru and the new accessibility search functionality help make Expedia.com an easy and convenient place to book.

About Expedia.com

Expedia.com is the world's leading online travel site, helping millions of travelers per month easily plan and book travel. Expedia.com (www.expedia.com, 1-800-EXPEDIA) aims to provide personalized service, the latest technology and the widest selection of vacation packages, flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises and in-destination activities, attractions, and services. With the Expedia Best Price Guarantee, Expedia.com promises to offer to its customers the best rates available online for all types of travel. Expedia.com is an operating company of Expedia, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPE).

Expedia.com is a registered trademark of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.  Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners.

© 2010 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. CST: 2029030-40

SOURCE Expedia, Inc.