Changing dates for non-refundable bookings
Travelers searching on our platform want to feel confident that their bookings are flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances. Allowing changes to non-refundable bookings can help you tap into the demand for flexibility while remaining in control of your revenue, workload, and cash flow.
In this article
How date changes for non-refundable bookings work
Most guests on our platform book flexible rates in case they have to change their plans at the last minute. More than half of all cancellations come from guests who want to modify their booking due to date change needs. However, we understand that you also need security for your revenue.
That’s why we offer a date change for non-refundable bookings. It allows guests one change to their stay dates, without affecting the rest of their reservation. This added assurance reduces the risk of cancellations.
By enhancing your non-refundable rate with some flexibility, you benefit from secure revenue while also offering guests the confidence that you’ll be able to accommodate their needs.
Conditions for date changes for non-refundable bookings
The easiest way to guarantee your revenue is to automate the process for date changes for non-refundable bookings. Once you do this, guests will only be able to change dates under certain conditions. They’ll also be able to see the option on your property page.
Here are the conditions for date changes:
- Guests can only reschedule for the same or a higher price
- Their booking conditions won’t change
- They can only change the dates of their booking once
- Their changes can only reflect real-time availability, rates, and restrictions
You can also add additional restrictions, keeping you in control of the whole process. For example, you could limit how far in advance a guest can change dates – up to three, five, or seven days before check-in. You could also set block dates for when a guest can’t change dates.
Setting up date changes for non-refundable bookings
Here’s how to automate changes for non-refundable bookings:
- Log in to the Extranet
- Click Property, then Policies
- Under Date changes for non-refundable bookings, click Edit
- Check the box that allows guests to change dates, then select the deadline for making changes
- Add exceptions to the date changes if necessary
- Click Update preferences to save
FAQ
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No, the change must result in an equal or higher value.
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Guests can make one change per reservation.
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Yes, as long as the total booking value is equal to or higher than the original reservation.
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No, guests can only modify dates with the same non-refundable policy.
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If you use Payments by Booking, the difference will be added to the existing virtual credit card.
If you use another payment method, you can charge guests the difference using the original payment method. Guests will be charged within 24 hours, or else they’ll have to provide a new credit card to prevent the booking from being canceled.
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Yes. The virtual credit card dates will be modified to match the new check-in dates.
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Your Rates & Availability
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- Setting up derived pricing
- Setting up deals and discounts
- Adding and editing meal plan info
- Setting up a Non-Refundable Rate
- Setting up a new rate plan
- Setting up standard children rates
- Setting up Mobile Rates
- Creating meal plan packages for ryokans
- Adding or updating an existing policy to Flexible – 1 Day
- Activating the Limited-time Deal
- Setting up Early Booker and Last-Minute Deals
- Setting up Weekly Rate Plans
- Setting up Country Rates
- How to use the Genius free breakfast promotion
- Setting up a Basic Deal
- Changing dates for non-refundable bookings
- Setting up Flash Deals
- Setting up flexible children rates
- Setting up US State Rates
- Understanding the Getaway Deal for partners
- Setting up Monthly Rate Plans
- Understanding long-stay policies
- Setting up an Early Booker Rate Plan
- Setting up Early 2024 Deals
- Using your availability, rate plans, and policies to increase bookings
- Everything you need to know about the New Property Deal
- Setting up value adds
- Understanding Booking Sponsored Benefit
- Late Escape Deal
- Super Saver Deal in the US: FAQ