The booking window (or lead time) is how far in advance reservations come in. Some segments book months ahead — planned holidays, peak season — while others are last-minute, like city breaks or business trips. Knowing the typical window for each season helps a property decide when to open rates, when to discount to fill, and when to hold firm.
A short average booking window means demand arrives close to the date, so availability and pricing need to stay responsive; a long one allows more confident forward planning.
Why it matters for direct booking
A direct channel gives you the booking data — including how far ahead your guests book — without it being mediated by an OTA. Understanding your own booking window lets you time direct offers and rate changes to capture demand when it actually appears.