Opodo is a real, established OTA (online travel agent) owned by eDreams ODIGEO, one of Europe's largest travel groups. However, its Trustpilot rating sits below 2 stars and UK consumers regularly report serious issues with refunds, cancellations, and hidden fees. It is not a scam, but the volume and consistency of complaints make it a high-risk booking option compared to alternatives.
Opodo has been operating since 2001 and is one of Europe's older online travel agents, now part of the eDreams ODIGEO group — a publicly traded company headquartered in Spain. It holds a valid UK Companies House registration (04427937) and ATOL protection applies to qualifying package bookings, meaning consumers have some financial protection if the company fails. Its long operating history confirms it is not a fraudulent or fly-by-night operation.
The core problem with Opodo is operational, not fraudulent. Its Trustpilot score of around 1.7 out of 5 — based on over 100,000 reviews — is one of the worst of any major UK travel brand, with recurring complaints centred on refund delays, automatic enrolment into its paid 'Opodo Prime' subscription, and near-inaccessible customer support. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has previously scrutinised the wider OTA sector, and Opodo's practices around drip pricing and subscription sign-ups have drawn specific criticism from consumers and regulators alike.
UK consumers should approach Opodo with real caution. If you book through Opodo and your flight is cancelled, expect a difficult, slow refund process — you are legally entitled to a refund within 14 days under the Package Travel Regulations or direct airline rules, but enforcing this through Opodo has proven consistently difficult. Consider booking direct with airlines or using a better-rated OTA. If you do use Opodo, pay by credit card for Section 75 protection, check immediately whether you have been enrolled in Opodo Prime, and cancel it if so.