Expedia.co.uk has become the first online travel agent to allow customers to split the payment on their holiday bookings in a move to give greater flexibility and choice for travellers and enabling people to travel at an affordable price.

Customers booking an Expedia flight and hotel or flight, hotel and car package will be given an option to pay a deposit rather than having to find the full cost of the holiday at the time of booking, making it easier and more affordable than ever for people to let themselves go on holiday in 2006.

The flexible, split payment option was launched on 1st January 2006 for holiday packages over £500.

The split payment option allows customers to settle their payment up to six weeks before departure. This gives people a month longer to settle their full payment compared to most tour operators who request final payment 10 weeks before departure.

The amount paid by customers at the point of booking will be automatically calculated by the Expedia.co.uk booking system.

The move comes just before Expedia.co.uk’s January sale, when holidays to new and exciting destinations around the world will be available at even lower prices.

Dermot Halpin, Managing Director, Expedia.co.uk said, “We are continuing to pioneer online travel, giving customers more options than ever before when it comes to booking their holiday. With a wealth of inspirational destinations at great prices and with easier ways to pay, there are even more reasons to log on and let yourself go on holiday in the New Year.”