Booking vs. Reservation: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 12, 2023
Booking primarily refers to securing a service or space, while Reservation often implies holding a space or item without immediate payment. Both denote a commitment to a future service.
Key Differences
Booking and Reservation are often used interchangeably in daily language, but they possess nuanced distinctions. A Booking generally implies that a service or space has been secured, typically with some form of upfront commitment. For instance, booking a hotel room often involves providing payment details, if not an outright deposit. On the other hand, a Reservation may often denote that a space or item is being held without immediate financial commitment.
In the restaurant industry, for instance, when one makes a Reservation, a table is held for a specific time. However, no payment is usually taken until after the meal. Conversely, when booking a concert ticket, payment is typically taken at the time of the Booking to secure the spot. This delineation shows that a Booking often suggests a firmer commitment than a Reservation.
Another distinction comes up in terms of cancellations. Booking fees are frequently non-refundable or come with strict cancellation policies. Reservations, depending on the industry, might offer more leniency, allowing individuals to cancel without any significant penalties, given they do so within a certain timeframe.
In travel and hospitality, both terms are prominent. Airlines often talk about flight Bookings, emphasizing the transactional nature of the process. Meanwhile, restaurants or events might prioritize Reservations, emphasizing the idea of holding space. Regardless of these nuances, both terms essentially emphasize a commitment to a service or space at a future date.
Comparison Chart
Commitment
Often requires upfront payment or commitment.
Holds space/item without immediate payment.
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Cancellation
Typically has stricter cancellation policies.
May offer more leniency in cancellations.
Common Uses
Hotels, concerts, flights.
Restaurants, events.
Nature
Transactional.
Holding space.
Immediacy
Implies immediate commitment or payment.
Can be more flexible, allowing for changes.
Booking and Reservation Definitions
Booking
A contract or arrangement for a person's performance or appearance.
The band got a booking at the local club.
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Reservation
The action of booking accommodations, travel, or services.
They made a reservation for two for the evening show.
Booking
The act of reserving accommodations or travel.
Her flight booking was confirmed last night.
Reservation
Arrangement for a seat, space, or accommodation to be kept for someone's use.
I have a reservation at the hotel for next week.
Booking
Arrangement to have something (like a room or seat) kept for one's use.
I made a booking for two at the city's top restaurant.
Reservation
A doubt or uncertainty about a proposed plan.
He expressed reservations about the new proposal.
Booking
A scheduled appointment or engagement.
She had a booking with her therapist at three.
Reservation
The act of reserving; a keeping back or withholding
The reservation of the right to use the property.
Booking
The action of recording names or events, especially in terms of law enforcement.
After being arrested, his booking took several hours.
Reservation
A limiting qualification, condition, or exception
Accepted with the reservation that she would have to leave early.
Booking
An engagement, as for a performance by an entertainer.
Reservation
Often reservations A doubt or misgiving
Has reservations about the proposal.
Booking
A reservation, as for accommodations at a hotel.
Reservation
A tract of land set apart by the federal government for a special purpose, especially one for the use of a Native American people.
Booking
Present participle of book
Reservation
An arrangement by which accommodations are secured in advance, as in a hotel or restaurant or on an airplane.
Booking
The act or process of writing something down in a book or books, e.g. in accounting.
Reservation
The act of reserving, withholding or keeping back.
The committee authorised the reservation of funds.
Booking
A reservation for a service, such as travel or hotel accommodation.
Reservation
The practice of reserving part of the consecrated bread of the Eucharist for the communion of the sick.
Booking
The engagement of a performer for a particular performance.
Reservation
The act of the pope to reserve to himself the right to nominate to certain benefices.
Booking
(sports) The issuing of a caution which is usually written down in a book, and results in a yellow card or (after two bookings) a red card, that is to say, the player is sent from the field of play.
Reservation
Something that is withheld or kept back.
Booking
(legal) The process of photographing, fingerprinting and recording the identifying data of a suspect following arrest.
Reservation
A limiting qualification regarding certainty; a doubt.
I have reservations about your intentions.
Booking
Employment for performers or performing groups that lasts for a limited period of time;
The play had bookings throughout the summer
Reservation
(US) A tract of land set apart by the US government for the use of a Native American people; Indian reservation (compare Canadian reserve).
Booking
The act of reserving (a place or passage) or engaging the services of (a person or group);
Wondered who had made the booking
Reservation
An arrangement by which accommodation or transport arrangements are secured in advance.
I have a hotel reservation in the name of Mr Smith.
Reservation
(UK) The area which separates opposing lanes of traffic on a divided motorway or dual carriageway; see also central reservation.
A vehicle crashed through the central reservation into the path of oncoming traffic.
Reservation
(India) The setting aside of a certain percentage of vacancies in government institutions for members of backward and underrepresented communities (defined primarily by caste and tribe).
Reservation
A power of an overseeing authority to suspend legislation in the jurisdiction being overseen pending the approval of a higher authority. Such as a provincial/state governor reserving a bill passed by the state/provincial legislature from assent, pending approval of the federal government; or a federal bill passed by federal parliament being reserved by the viceroy pending approval by the crown.
Reservation
The act of reserving, or keeping back; concealment, or withholding from disclosure; reserve.
With reservation of an hundred knights.
Make some reservation of your wrongs.
Reservation
Something withheld, either not expressed or disclosed, or not given up or brought forward.
Reservation
A tract of the public land reserved for some special use, as for schools, for the use of Indians, etc.
Reservation
The state of being reserved, or kept in store.
Reservation
A clause in an instrument by which some new thing is reserved out of the thing granted, and not in esse before.
Reservation
The portion of the sacramental elements reserved for purposes of devotion and for the communion of the absent and sick.
Reservation
An agreement to have some space, service or other acommodation, as at a hotel, a restaurant, or on a public transport system, held for one's future use; also, the record or receipt for such an agreement, or the contractual obligation to retain that accommodation; as, a hotel reservation; a reservation on a flight to Dallas; to book a reservation at the Ritz.
Reservation
A district that is reserved for particular purpose
Reservation
A statement that limits or restricts some claim;
He recommended her without any reservations
Reservation
An unstated doubt that prevents you from accepting something wholeheartedly
Reservation
The act of reserving (a place or passage) or engaging the services of (a person or group);
Wondered who had made the booking
Reservation
The written record or promise of an arrangement by which accommodations are secured in advance
Reservation
Something reserved in advance (as a hotel accommodation or a seat on a plane etc.)
Reservation
The act of keeping back or setting aside for some future occasion
Reservation
Land set aside for exclusive use, typically for indigenous peoples.
The tribe lives on a reservation in Arizona.
Reservation
A condition or caveat attached to an agreement or proposition.
He accepted the offer without reservation.
FAQs
Can a Reservation be made without any commitment?
Yes, some Reservations, like for restaurants, might not need a deposit or payment and can be canceled without penalties.
Are Booking and Reservation synonyms?
While often used interchangeably, Booking usually implies a confirmed arrangement, often with payment, whereas Reservation suggests a space held, sometimes without immediate payment.
Do airlines use Booking or Reservation more frequently?
Airlines typically use "flight Booking" to emphasize the transactional nature of securing a seat.
Can a Booking be free of charge?
Yes, a Booking can be free if it's just about securing a spot or service without associated costs.
If an event sells out, does that refer to Bookings or Reservations?
It generally refers to Bookings, as "sold out" implies all spots have been secured, often with payment.
Can you have a Booking without a Reservation?
Typically, a Booking implies that a Reservation has already been made or is being made simultaneously.
Can I transfer my hotel Booking to someone else?
Policies vary, but some establishments allow Bookings to be transferred with proper notice.
Is a Reservation always time-specific?
Often, yes. Especially for services like dining or events where timing is crucial.
Is a hotel Reservation the same as a hotel Booking?
Generally, they are similar. However, a hotel Reservation might not always require upfront payment, whereas a Booking often does.
Why do restaurants often prefer Reservations over Bookings?
Restaurants use Reservations to manage guest flow and ensure tables are available, without necessarily requiring upfront payment.
Can I have multiple Reservations for the same time slot?
Yes, but fulfilling multiple Reservations at the same time might be challenging, depending on the service.
If I'm asked for payment details, is it a Booking or Reservation?
It's likely a Booking since payment details often imply an immediate or future financial commitment.
Are there penalties for not honoring a Booking?
Often, yes. Bookings, especially those with payments, may have penalties or forfeit deposits if not honored.
Is a Reservation fee refundable?
It depends on the establishment's policies; some Reservation fees might be refundable while others aren't.
If a concert requires immediate payment, is it a Booking?
Yes, immediate payment usually confirms it as a Booking.
Why do some services only allow Bookings and not Reservations?
Some services require financial commitment or want to ensure that the service is utilized once secured.
Is there a Reservation number similar to a Booking reference?
Yes, many services provide Reservation numbers or codes similar to Booking references to track and manage the commitment.
Which term, Booking or Reservation, suggests a more firm commitment?
Booking typically implies a stronger commitment, often with an associated payment or deposit.
Do online systems favor Bookings over Reservations?
Many online systems lean towards Bookings due to the transactional nature of online payments.
Can I modify a Reservation after making it?
Typically, yes. Many establishments allow Reservations to be modified, especially with advance notice.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
