Prebooking

Prebooking is the process of reserving a service, seat, accommodation, or other capacity before it becomes generally available or before a formal booking is completed. It often involves locking in limited availability or securing terms such as a price, date, or conditions ahead of an official release. Prebooking can include holds on inventory, deposits, preauthorization of payment, or non-binding requests that may later convert to a confirmed booking.

Common mechanisms include holding a reservation for a specified period, requiring a deposit or credit card preauthorization, and placing the customer on a waitlist. Terms vary by industry and provider, including refundable or non-refundable deposits, cancellation windows, and whether the prebooked item is guaranteed or tentative. Providers may use prebooking to manage demand, plan capacity, and stabilize pricing, while consumers may gain early access, price protection, or priority selection.

Applications of prebooking appear in travel and hospitality (hotel rooms or seats on a flight with a hold), events and entertainment (limited seats or VIP access held before general sale), healthcare (appointment holds during high-demand periods), and product releases (early access to limited editions). In some cases, prebooking overlaps with preorder or early-bird programs, but it is distinct in focusing on reserving capacity or terms rather than purchasing the item in advance.

Users should review cancellation policies, understand any deposits or fees, and distinguish prebooking from other forms of early access to ensure suitability and minimize risk.