Lawsuit alleges Expedia’s booking practices drive up hotel prices

Gizmodo reports a Washington class action alleges Expedia inflates hotel prices. The suit claims Expedia-owned platforms handle 80% of US bookings through online travel agencies and that hotels charge travelers up to 30% more to recoup a 15% Expedia commission. It also alleges Expedia demotes hotels for offering better rates on their own sites or rival platforms. Gizmodo says Expedia had not responded to its request for comment at publication.