Avoiding double bookings: a method and a plan B
As soon as a property is listed on several sites, the risk of a double booking appears. It almost always comes from a calendar that is not properly synced. Here is how to reduce it and how to react if it happens.
Updated 30 October 2026
Why it happens
- iCal calendars do not update instantly: an import can take several hours depending on the platform.
- A direct or phone booking was not copied everywhere.
- A manual block (works, personal stay) was forgotten on one of the sites.
How to prevent it
- Centralise: one master calendar, all others depend on it.
- Sync each listing through iCal links in both directions and check the last-updated time.
- Copy any direct booking to the master calendar immediately.
- Add a spare day between stays if your schedule allows.
- Check your planner every day: a dashboard with an overlap alert helps a lot.
If a double booking happens
- Act fast: contact both guests, the later booking first.
- Offer an equivalent or better solution (another nearby property, same price) before cancelling.
- Follow your platform’s cancellation rules and any consequences for you: they differ from site to site.
- Keep written records of the exchanges and note the cause so you can remove it.
FAQ
Is iCal sync instant?
No. It runs at intervals, sometimes several hours apart. That is why a master calendar and a daily check matter.
Is a free tool enough?
For one or two properties, a simple planner with an overlap alert is often enough. Beyond that, a channel manager may become useful.