Free cancellation means you can cancel the booking without paying a charge, as long as you cancel before a stated cut-off. After the cut-off, a fee or full payment may apply. The cut-off date and time, and the time zone it follows, are the details that matter.
A useful companion read is reading a cancellation policy.
Why does free cancellation matter for us?
Free cancellation is valuable when plans are still moving, but only if you read the cut-off carefully. Some rates allow it up to a number of days before arrival, and others only within a short window after booking. Missing the cut-off by a few hours can turn a free cancellation into a lost payment.
How does free cancellation show up in a quote?
A booking page may say “Free cancellation until 7 days before check-in, 6 pm local time”. Note the time zone, as it may be the resort’s time and not yours. Check whether a deposit paid earlier is refunded, and how long the refund takes.
What should we ask about free cancellation?
Put these questions to the resort or agent, and ask for the answers in writing:
- What is the exact cut-off date and time, and in which time zone?
- Is any deposit refunded in full, and how long does it take?
- Does free cancellation apply to the whole stay or only part of it?
- Does the rate change if we choose free cancellation?
Where to go next
Two more pages help you check the rest: package cancellation vs flexible rates and how early to book a package. Send us the quote and we will go through it with you.