What's with Expedia?
 

To make things easy, I decided to book air and hotel to Rome through Expedia.
Two hours after my inital search, having narrowed my hotel choice down to one (of dozens offered), I went back on Expedia and the prices had gone up over $200 per person.
Is this typical of Expedia?

that prices always go up when you look at it a few days after the first time? no, but it isn't usual for Expedia or many other booking sites to change prices when inventory is running out, during holiday periods, etc. For example, once I was looking for a hotel in Quebec City for a holiday weekend, and I saw the rates go up and up within a week on several websites while I was trying to make up my mind. I know it is because they were getting booked up, I was just procrastinating.

I would guess the airfare went up or they sold out of the cheaper fares - happens all the time. Fares go up, fares go down....maybe tomorrow it will be cheaper again- how long until you travel?

Yes, I've noticed this too, prices change often.

I think suec is correct. I've seen airfares change within an hour.

<<Is this typical of Expedia?>>

It has nothing to do with Expedia - the same price fluctuations occur no matter which booking site you look at, including the airlines themselves.

I've experienced this with Expedia as well. Cost me an extra $120 for taking my time to decide.

Woody

I've found that sometimes if I delete the cookies on my computer I get better fares when I go back for a second or third time. I have no idea why, but it's worth a try.

ditto pp. clear your cookies.