Glossary

Cancellation window

What is a cancellation window?

The cancellation window is the period before a reservation during which cancelling is free. Outside the window (say, more than 4 hours ahead), the guest cancels without charge; inside it, a late-cancellation fee may apply, because the restaurant can no longer realistically re-sell the table. Typical windows run 2 to 4 hours for casual rooms with walk-in traffic and 24 to 48 hours for tasting menus and large formats. A good policy pairs the window with a self-serve cancel link, since guests who can cancel in one tap cancel earlier, and an early cancellation is a table saved rather than a fee collected.