prebooked

Prebooked is a term used to describe goods or services that have been reserved in advance. The act of prebooking involves committing to purchase or use a service before its scheduled date, thereby securing access to limited inventory and, in some cases, stabilizing price.

Common contexts for prebooking include travel and hospitality (airline seats, hotel rooms, tours, and rental cars), entertainment (concert and theater tickets), and professional services (appointments, conferences). In many cases the customer provides details such as dates, quantities, and preferences and may be required to pay a deposit or full amount at the time of booking. Prebooked arrangements may guarantee availability and, in some markets, offer a price lock, while others allow changes under specific cancellation policies.

Benefits include certainty of access and planning convenience; risks include penalties for changes or cancellations, nonrefundable payments, and potential loss of value if plans change or the service is disrupted.

Originating from the prefix “pre-” meaning before and “booked” meaning reserved, prebooking differs from simply reserving or holding inventory in that it typically requires a formal commitment and may involve a payment. It is distinct from preorder, which involves obtaining a product before release, and from an on-demand or walk-in arrangement.

Related terms include reservation, advance booking, and pre-order.