In accommodation, a no-show can mean that the guest does not arrive for the booked stay as required. Expedia Rapid’s property collect guidance describes penalties when a guest does not attend the first night. The applicable conditions determine the treatment; there is no universal penalty amount. Source: Expedia Group: property collect payments

A practical travel example

If a customer expects to arrive late, contact the supplier through the appropriate route and record the response. Do not assume a late arrival has been accepted merely because a message was sent.

Ask what happens to the room and any remaining nights if the guest misses the expected arrival. Record the answer against the booking so the next adviser can see what has been agreed.

Do not use absence as a cancellation process

If the traveller wants to cancel, follow the applicable cancellation procedure and verify the outcome. Choosing not to attend does not establish that a cancellation has been processed or a refund approved.

Keep the customer’s instruction, supplier response and financial outcome as separate records. This makes it easier to explain the position when the customer asks what has happened to their booking and payment.

Written and updated by Travelgenix. Sources checked on 16 October 2026. Worked examples and checklists are editorial illustrations and recommendations, not customer results.