Booking Windows: How Far Out Should You Allow Reservations?
This guide covers booking windows: how far out should you allow reservations? for fishing charter businesses, with emphasis on availability rules, operational workflows, and guest readiness.
Overview
Booking Windows: How Far Out Should You Allow Reservations? is a practical reference for charter operators who want to improve availability rules and operational workflows.
Use this guide when reviewing your trip pages, booking flow, or guest communication standards.
Key points
- Set buffers and cutoffs to avoid overlap.
- Use clear pre-trip checklists for guests.
- Plan weather and reschedule messaging in advance.
- Keep documents and waivers organized.
Checklist
- Define trip durations and buffers.
- Set booking cutoffs for same-day trips.
- Create a pre-trip checklist for guests.
- Use consistent reschedule rules.
- Keep waivers and documents tied to bookings.
Common mistakes
- Allowing back-to-back trips without buffers.
- Leaving cutoffs undefined for early departures.
- Forgetting to confirm dock details.
- Collecting waivers at the dock instead of before.
Examples
- A 30-minute buffer before and after each trip.
- A 6pm cutoff for next-day bookings.
- A checklist email sent 48 hours before launch.