Expedia's One Key loyalty program is undergoing some significant changes. Starting July 28, the program will introduce a simplified earning structure, and in late September, it will add a new perk for some travelers when flights are delayed.
The program's updated earning structure, dubbed the "1-2-3 Path to Earn," combines upfront discounts in the form of member pricing with OneKeyCash that can be used on future trips. Under this new structure, members will receive the following on eligible bookings starting July 28:
Blue members: 10% or more in instant discounts, plus 1% back in OneKeyCash
Silver members: 15% or more in instant discounts, plus 2% back in OneKeyCash
Gold members: 20% or more in instant discounts, plus 2% back in OneKeyCash
Platinum members: 20% or more in instant discounts, plus 3% back in OneKeyCash
One notable change between this structure and the current one is that Platinum members will earn 3% back in OneKeyCash on eligible bookings, while Blue members will earn 1% back, down from the current 2%. This means Platinum members will come out ahead with this change, while Blue members will earn less.
Another significant change is that members will no longer earn OneKeyCash on flights. Currently, One Key members can earn a small amount of OneKeyCash on eligible flights, but starting July 28, members will no longer earn any OneKeyCash on flight bookings.
This change is a direct response to member feedback, with Expedia citing that travelers value meaningful support and care during their trips over the previous 0.2% earn rate on flights.
Despite this change, Gold and Platinum members will continue to enjoy free flight app price-tracking and One Key price-drop protection when they book flights in the Expedia app. In fact, Expedia notes that the One Key price-drop protection for Gold and Platinum members has "delivered $28 million in OneKeyCash directly to our members in 2025 alone."
In late September, One Key will also introduce a new benefit for Gold and Platinum members: lounge access when an eligible flight is delayed by at least 90 minutes. Once the benefit is live, One Key Gold and Platinum members who book a flight through Expedia and experience a flight delay will receive a lounge pass in their Expedia app, granting access to a specific airport lounge while they wait out their delay.
Most of the lounges accessible with these passes are part of the Priority Pass network, so travelers who already have a card that offers Priority Pass lounge access may not find this benefit particularly valuable. However, it will certainly be useful for travelers who don't otherwise have lounge access when a delay hits.
Not all changes are negative, however. Several One Key benefits and earning opportunities will remain in place even after July 28, including tier-based instant discounts and elevated earning rates at VIP Access properties.
Overall, Expedia's One Key update includes both new perks and reduced earning opportunities. Gold and Platinum members will likely find the updated program more valuable, especially with the new flight delay perk. However, occasional One Key members or travelers who primarily book flights through Expedia may find the changes make the program less rewarding.
