Planning a trip can be exciting, but choosing the right booking platform is just as important as picking your destination. Trip.com is one of the world’s leading online travel agencies, offering everything from flights and hotels to trains and full vacation packages—all in one place. With its sleek interface and competitive pricing, it has become especially popular among travelers in Asia and beyond.
However, as with any travel service, it’s crucial to know what other users are saying. Reading reviews before booking helps avoid unexpected issues like poor customer support, booking errors, or hidden fees. Real user experiences give you insight into how the platform actually performs under pressure—especially when things go wrong.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into Trip.com reviews from real customers, explore the platform’s strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide whether it’s the right choice for your next trip. From customer service experiences to refund policies and price competitiveness, we’ve got you covered.
What is Trip.com?
Trip.com is a global travel service provider that allows users to book flights, hotels, trains, car rentals, and entire vacation packages—all through one convenient platform. Founded in 1999, Trip.com is part of the Trip.com Group, formerly known as Ctrip, which is one of the largest online travel agencies in the world. Headquartered in Shanghai, China, the company also owns brands like Skyscanner and Travix, giving it a strong international presence.
Today, Trip.com operates in over 200 countries and regions, supports multiple languages and currencies, and serves millions of users worldwide. Despite its Chinese roots, it has become increasingly popular across Asia, Europe, and North America, making it a truly global player in the travel industry.
Services Offered by Trip.com:
- ✈️ Flights – Book one-way, round-trip, or multi-city flights with major international and low-cost airlines.
- 🏨 Hotels – Access to over 1.4 million hotels worldwide, including luxury resorts, boutique stays, and budget-friendly options.
- 🚆 Trains – Domestic train booking in China and select international routes (including Japan and Europe).
- 🚗 Car Rentals – Rental services in major cities and airports globally, with support from local and international providers.
- 🌍 Tours & Activities – City tours, attraction tickets, airport transfers, and unique local experiences.
- 📦 Travel Packages – Bundle deals that combine flights + hotels (and sometimes car rental or activities) for convenience and savings.
Target Markets:
Trip.com is particularly strong in Asia-Pacific markets, especially China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Singapore. However, its user-friendly platform, competitive pricing, and expanding partnerships have helped it gain traction globally. Whether you’re a budget traveler in Europe or a business flyer in North America, Trip.com is designed to serve a broad range of international users.
Is Trip.com Legit?
Yes, Trip.com is a legitimate and trusted travel booking platform that has built a solid reputation in the global travel industry over the years. As part of the Trip.com Group, which includes major brands like Skyscanner and Ctrip, the company has access to a vast inventory of travel services and partners across the globe.
Company Reputation
Trip.com serves millions of users worldwide and consistently ranks among the top online travel agencies. It has received numerous industry recognitions and has built partnerships with major airlines, hotel chains, and travel service providers. While no platform is without its critics, Trip.com has maintained a strong presence, particularly in Asia, due to its wide selection and competitive pricing.
Certifications and Accreditations
- Trip.com is a certified member of IATA (International Air Transport Association), which ensures that it meets global standards for airline bookings.
- It uses secure payment systems and follows international data protection practices to safeguard user information.
- The company is listed on the NASDAQ (under Trip.com Group, TCOM), further reinforcing its legitimacy and transparency as a public company.
Transparency of Pricing
Trip.com generally offers clear pricing, but like many online travel agencies, some users have reported occasional hidden fees during checkout or in cancellation policies. To ensure full transparency, users are advised to:
- Review fare rules carefully before booking.
- Check if taxes, service fees, or baggage charges are included.
- Read hotel cancellation and refund policies.
Despite this, the platform often provides competitive rates, sometimes undercutting larger players like Expedia and Booking.com.
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | Trip.com | Expedia | Booking.com |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Low prices in Asia, local train/flight options | Wide global coverage | Massive hotel inventory |
| Flight Options | Excellent for Asia routes | Strong worldwide | Limited flight services |
| Hotel Coverage | Very broad | Extensive | Extensive |
| Customer Support | Mixed reviews | Mixed reviews | Generally reliable |
| Pricing | Often cheaper, esp. in Asia | Mid-range | Competitive |
Trip.com holds its own against these global giants, especially for users traveling in or to Asia. However, travelers should always compare prices and read the fine print before making a booking.
User Experience Overview
One of the reasons behind Trip.com’s popularity is its smooth, user-friendly experience across both desktop and mobile platforms. Whether you’re booking a flight, hotel, or full travel package, the interface is designed for quick navigation and minimal hassle—even for first-time users.
Website and App Usability
Trip.com offers a clean and intuitive interface on both its website and mobile app. Key features include:
- Smart search filters for refining results by price, airline, amenities, or ratings
- A multi-language platform (including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, and more)
- Push notifications for price drops, flight updates, and promotional offers
- 24/7 access to booking history and e-tickets via user accounts
The mobile app, available on both iOS and Android, is particularly well-rated for its design, speed, and real-time updates.
Trip.com Customer Reviews Analysis
To understand how Trip.com performs in real-world situations, we’ve analyzed user feedback across multiple review platforms including Trustpilot, SiteJabber, Google Reviews, and Reddit. The results show a mix of positive and negative experiences—typical of most large travel platforms—but reveal useful patterns that can help you decide if Trip.com is right for you.
Summary of User Feedback
🔹 Trustpilot
Trip.com currently holds a “Great” rating on Trustpilot, with thousands of reviews from international travelers. Positive feedback often highlights good prices and efficient booking. However, complaints tend to focus on refund handling and customer service delays.
🔹 SiteJabber
Reviews here are more mixed, with an average rating around 3 to 3.5 stars. Many users praise hotel and flight deals, but others express frustration over non-refundable bookings and the lack of live human support during emergencies.
🔹 Google Reviews
Feedback varies by country and local office. Generally, users appreciate the convenience of the app and multilingual support. However, some local listings mention difficulties in resolving booking errors or cancellations.
🔹 Reddit / Travel Forums
Reddit threads (like r/travel or r/onebag) often feature candid discussions. Some travelers recommend Trip.com for cheap Asia flights, while others warn about slow refund processes or tricky cancellation policies. Many agree it’s a good platform—if you read the fine print carefully.
Common Positive Points
- 💰 Affordable Pricing – Users frequently highlight that Trip.com offers some of the lowest prices, especially for Asia-bound flights and hotels.
- 🕐 Last-Minute Deals – Great for spontaneous travelers, with frequent flash sales and promotions.
- 🌍 Wide Variety – A massive inventory of hotels, airlines, and train routes across Asia and beyond, often not found on Western travel sites.
Common Complaints
- ⏳ Refund Delays – Many users report that getting a refund—especially for flight cancellations—can take weeks or even months.
- 📞 Customer Support Issues – Difficulty reaching agents or resolving issues, especially during peak seasons or after-hours.
- 💵 Hidden Fees – Some travelers mention unexpected charges during checkout or non-obvious refund/cancellation terms. Others note price changes between search and payment.
Pros and Cons of Using Trip.com
Like any travel platform, Trip.com has its strengths and weaknesses. Based on user reviews, expert insights, and real-world usage, here’s a balanced breakdown of what works well—and what could be improved.
Pros
💰 Competitive Pricing
Trip.com frequently offers lower rates than many competitors, especially for flights and hotels in Asia. Flash sales, exclusive deals, and bundle discounts make it attractive for budget-conscious travelers.
🖥️ Easy-to-Use Interface
Both the website and mobile app are clean, intuitive, and fast. Booking takes just a few steps, and you can access e-tickets, trip details, and customer support right from your account.
🎁 Loyalty Program (Trip Coins)
Trip.com rewards users with Trip Coins, a points system that can be redeemed for future discounts. It’s a simple way to save more the next time you book.
🌍 Global Hotel Coverage
The platform offers access to over 1.4 million hotels worldwide, from five-star resorts to budget hostels, including options that are often not listed on Western booking sites.
Cons
📞 Inconsistent Customer Service
User reviews suggest that customer support quality can vary widely by region and time of day. Long wait times, unhelpful responses, or difficulty speaking to a live agent are common complaints.
❌ Cancellation/Refund Complications
Refunds can be slow—sometimes taking weeks or months. The cancellation policies vary by airline, hotel, or package, and Trip.com acts as a middleman, which can delay resolutions.
🗣️ Language Barriers with Some Partners
While Trip.com supports multiple languages, some partner hotels or service providers (especially in non-English-speaking regions) may cause miscommunication or confusion, particularly when resolving booking issues.
Tips for Using Trip.com Safely
While Trip.com offers a wide range of travel deals at competitive prices, taking a few extra precautions can help you avoid unexpected surprises. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or booking your first trip, here are some practical safety tips to make your Trip.com experience smoother and more secure:
1. Always Read the Cancellation and Refund Policy
Not all bookings on Trip.com are refundable or flexible. Before finalizing your purchase:
- Check the fare rules or hotel cancellation terms on the booking page.
- Look for keywords like “Non-Refundable” or “Free Cancellation.”
- Understand the timelines for cancellations and any applicable fees.
This is especially important for flights, as some low-cost carriers offer strict no-change/no-refund policies.
2. Double-Check Your Booking Confirmations
After completing your booking:
- Verify that all details (names, dates, destinations) are correct.
- Cross-check your email confirmation and the Trip.com app dashboard.
- Contact support immediately if anything seems off—changes are harder to make later.
Tip: Take screenshots of your booking page and confirmation number, just in case.
3. Use a Credit Card for Better Protection
Credit cards typically offer dispute resolution and chargeback options, which can help if:
- Your booking is canceled without notice
- The service provider fails to deliver (e.g., a hotel turns you away)
- Refunds are delayed for an extended period
Avoid using debit cards or direct bank transfers unless you’re 100% confident in the booking.
4. Compare Prices with Other Platforms
Before hitting “book now,” compare your Trip.com deal with prices on:
- Expedia
- Booking.com
- Skyscanner
- The official airline or hotel website
Sometimes Trip.com offers unbeatable prices, but other times, direct booking may include extra perks like free breakfast, more flexible terms, or loyalty points.
Who Should Use Trip.com?
Trip.com isn’t the perfect platform for every traveler—but it excels in certain areas and for specific types of users. If you fall into one of the categories below, Trip.com could be a great fit for your next journey.
Backpackers & Budget Travelers
Trip.com is known for low-cost deals, especially on flights and accommodations in Asia. If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll appreciate the frequent flash sales, discount codes, and simple booking process. The platform also lists hostels and budget hotels not always found on other major sites.
Business Travelers Looking for Deals
For professionals who travel frequently, Trip.com offers affordable last-minute options and convenient multi-city flight searches. The mobile app makes managing bookings easy, and you can earn Trip Coins to save on future trips.
Tourists Booking From/To Asia
Trip.com is particularly strong in Asia-Pacific markets, with deep local integrations in China, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and Singapore. Whether you’re flying to Asia or exploring it internally, Trip.com often provides better prices and more local options than global competitors.
People Booking International Flights with Flexible Dates
If your travel dates are flexible, Trip.com can help you spot great deals on international routes—often by combining different carriers or using regional airlines that may not appear on other sites. This makes it ideal for digital nomads, long-term travelers, or students studying abroad.
In short, Trip.com is best for travelers who prioritize price and flexibility over premium service or ultra-fast customer support. As long as you read the fine print, it can offer tremendous value for the right kind of user.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About Trip.com
Is Trip.com trustworthy?
Yes, Trip.com is a legitimate and globally recognized online travel agency. It’s part of the Trip.com Group, one of the largest travel service providers in the world. The platform is IATA-accredited, operates in over 200 countries, and is publicly traded on NASDAQ. While there are mixed reviews (mostly around customer service), millions of users book through Trip.com without issue.
How does Trip.com handle cancellations?
Trip.com acts as a third-party booking agent, which means cancellation policies are typically set by the airline, hotel, or service provider—not Trip.com itself. You can cancel directly through the app or website if your booking allows it. Some bookings offer free cancellation, while others may be non-refundable. Refunds, when applicable, may take several days to weeks, depending on the provider.
Can I change my booking on Trip.com?
In most cases, yes, but it depends on the provider’s policy:
- Flights – You can request changes through your Trip.com account. Fees may apply.
- Hotels – Modifications depend on the property’s terms and availability.
- Train or activity bookings – These are often non-changeable, so check terms before confirming.
It’s best to review your booking details carefully and contact Trip.com support early if changes are needed.
Does Trip.com have hidden fees?
Trip.com generally shows transparent pricing, but users have reported occasional discrepancies, such as:
- Additional service or processing fees at checkout
- Currency conversion charges depending on payment method
- Optional add-ons (e.g., travel insurance) pre-selected
To avoid surprises, always review the final total before payment and deselect any unnecessary extras.
