8 Costco Travel Hacks Many Members Miss

Costco Travel has been around for more than 25 years, and its in-house services help people save money while traveling to various destinations.

The travel segment negotiates directly with cruise lines, hotels and rental companies to secure lower prices for Costco customers. These are some of the Costco Travel hacks many customers may overlook.

Costco travel perks you may have missed

Before you book your next trip through Costco, be sure to familiarize yourself with all the retailer’s travel benefits. Here are some you may not know about.

1. Book for travelers who aren't members

You must be a Costco member to use Costco Travel. However, you can book a trip for someone who isn’t a member, as long as you are the one making the payment through Costco Travel. That way, not everyone who is a part of the trip needs to have a Costco card.

2. Cancel and rebook rental cars when prices drop

If you book a rental car at a high price, you don’t have to accept that high price if it becomes more affordable in the future. You can cancel your rental car booking and immediately rebook it when the price drops. There’s no penalty, and you can use this strategy anytime before pickup. (Though if you booked via a prepay rate, there may be a cancellation fee.)

3. Get a free second driver

You don’t have to pay extra money to get a second driver for a Costco Travel rental car. Most rental car providers charge an extra $10 to $15 per day if you want to add a second driver. Not only does Costco free you from this fee, but the second driver doesn’t even have to be a Costco member.

4. Add your rental loyalty number

Even though you are getting a rental car from Costco Travel, you can still add your rental loyalty number for rental car companies that you use. That way, the bookings you complete on Costco Travel also translate into extra points and perks for the rental company’s loyalty program. This offer applies to specific partners within the Costco Travel platform.

5. Collect a Shop Card on every Norwegian sailing

Each time you book a Norwegian cruise, you will also receive a Costco Shop Card, which can be used like cash to shop at the retailer.

6. Book during bonus windows

Multiple cruise lines offer extra perks like gift cards if you book during a featured deal. You can monitor the Costco Travel site to ensure you capitalize on bonus windows when they are announced.

7. Ask about price drops on packages

Rather than cancel and rebook upon a price drop, you can call Costco Travel at 1-866-921-7925 to request a price adjustment. Note that the retailer’s website says “this may require rebooking your package or cruise, and penalties may apply.”

8. Get 2% rewards on top of the other travel hacks

Executive members earn 2% back on Costco Travel, up to $1,250 per year, which can help you make the most of your membership fee.

Be careful of scammers

Costco has warned shoppers of fraudulent calls attempting to obtain personal information and potentially offering fake perks, such as a $500 Costco Travel credit.

You should only call the phone number provided on Costco Travel’s site, which is 1-866-921-7925.