Booking & counter · Travelers
Free cancellation
Also called free cancelation, cancel for free
The short answerYou can cancel without a fee up to a stated deadline before pickup.
What it means
Free cancellation means the booking can be cancelled at no charge up to a set time before pickup, such as 48 hours. After that deadline, a cancellation fee or the full prepaid amount may apply. The exact rule is in the booking terms and varies by rate and seller.
Why it matters
The deadline matters more than the word "free." Check it, and check what happens if you simply don't show up, which is often treated differently from a cancellation.
Related terms
- No-showWhen a renter doesn't pick up the car and didn't cancel before the deadline.
- Prepaid rateA rate you pay in full when you book, rather than at the rental counter.
Also related Cancellation deadline, Cancellation fee, Refund