Lead time (booking window)

In shortLead time is the number of days between the date a reservation is made and the guest's arrival date; it shows how far in advance guests book.

Lead time varies widely by market and segment: business trips to city hotels arrive a few days out, family bookings at resorts months ahead. It also differs by channel.

Knowing the average lead time helps you read pick-up and pace correctly: in a short-lead-time market, a night that looks low 30 days out may be perfectly normal.