Advance purchase

Advance purchase is the practice of booking travel services (hotel rooms, airline tickets, etc.) ahead of a check-in or departure date. The typical booking window for these reservations spans from 5 to 21 days before the travel date. Airlines and hotels leverage advance purchases to secure early revenue and apply demand-based pricing.

Travelers make early bookings to lock in discounted rates offered by service providers. For example, hotel groups like Hilton offer up to 17 percent off their best available rate (BAR) when guests secure their stay at least 7 days ahead.

The discounted rates for advanced purchases are often non-cancellable, non-changeable, and non-refundable.

Often, guests who wish to benefit from these rates must join the hotel’s loyalty program.