Table of Contents
Lastminute.com.au to Cease Operations After 25 Years in Australia
The well-known travel platform Lastminute.com.au is set to close its doors after 25 years of service in Australia. Owned by global travel conglomerate Expedia, this website was a popular choice for Australian travellers seeking last-minute deals and holiday offers.
Phase-Out Announcement
In a recent communication to customers, Lastminute.com.au confirmed it will stop accepting new bookings from June 2, 2026, with a total operational shutdown expected by November of the same year. The company stated, “We have made the decision to close the Lastminute.com.au website and app,” assuring customers that existing bookings will remain unaffected during this transition.
Important Timelines for Customers
- New Booking Cut-off: From June 2, 2026, the site will no longer process new reservations.
- Existing Bookings: All current bookings must be completed or modified before the operational shutdown on November 1, 2026.
- Access to Accounts: Customers may modify or cancel their current reservations through Lastminute.com.au until their travel dates are fulfilled. However, access to accounts will be terminated once all trips are completed.
The History of Lastminute.com.au
Launching in Australia in 2000, Lastminute.com.au was established following the successful operation of its UK counterpart. Initially a joint venture between online travel agent travel.com.au and lastminute.com, it underwent ownership changes over the years. In 2007, travel.com.au purchased a 25.1% stake to gain full control. The platform eventually attracted the interest of Brisbane-based Wotif in 2008, which acquired it for $57 million. By 2014, Wotif itself was acquired by Expedia for an impressive $703 million.
Transition to Expedia
With the impending closure of Lastminute.com.au, all new bookings will be redirected to Expedia, where customers can continue to secure their travel needs effortlessly. The company reassured users that the transition would not compromise service quality, stating, “Expedia is where you can find and book your ideal holiday with the same ease and options you are used to with Lastminute.com.au.”
Data Breach Precautions
The announcement follows a troubling week for the industry, where fellow travel site Booking.com alerted customers to a potential data security breach that could compromise sensitive booking information. The exact number of affected individuals remains unclear.
Conclusion
As Lastminute.com.au prepares for its exit from the Australian market, travellers are advised to ensure their current bookings are managed appropriately, while new reservations can be made through Expedia. With a rich history of adapting to market changes, Expedia will now carry the torch forward, catering to the evolving needs of holidaymakers.
Source: Lastminute.com.au
Note: For continued travel arrangements, visit Expedia after June 2, 2026.
