This analysis describes what Booking.com's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
Booking.com users can no longer read the full Terms and Conditions that govern their use of the platform and their rights when booking travel accommodations. Previously, users could review over 1,500 sentences of terms covering dispute resolution, cancellation rights, liability, and other critical protections. The replacement of the terms page with a security challenge page means the binding contractual language is not currently accessible in readable form. Users who wish to understand their rights and obligations should attempt to access the terms through alternative means, such as contacting Booking.com customer support to request the full text of the current Terms and Conditions.
View change record →Booking.com's updated Terms now make clear that three separate documents—the Terms of Service, How We Work, and Content Standards and Guidelines—together form the binding contract between you and the platform. Previously, the terms page was inaccessible due to a technical authentication screen. The updated language emphasizes that by using the platform, you consent to all three documents, and that if a booking fails, you should consult Section A16 for your options. This consolidation of contractual documents into three separate sources may make it less obvious what rights and obligations you are accepting compared to a single comprehensive terms document.
View change record →Users visiting Booking.com's Terms and Conditions page cannot access, read, or review the actual contractual terms they are agreeing to. The page displays a technical security challenge and JavaScript code instead of policy language. This prevents informed consent and makes it impossible for users to understand their rights and obligations. If you need to review Booking.com's terms, the document is currently unavailable through the normal URL; you may need to contact Booking.com support for clarification.
View change record →How other platforms handle this
We will refund your money within three (3) business days of your request to cancel a transfer as long as the funds have not already been picked up or deposited into an account of the designated recipient.
For subscribers and purchasers of Virtual Items residing in the Republic of Korea: in accordance with local law, you are entitled to a full refund of your subscription and/or unused Virtual Items during the 7 days following the purchase.
If you are on a paid subscription and we discontinue the Service you are using during your subscription...if we're unable to do so, we will provide you a pro-rata refund of fees prepaid for the remaining period of your subscription.
"If they refuse you the car, call us straight away from the rental counter to cancel your booking, and we'll refund what you paid, minus the cost of three days of your rental. Otherwise you won't be entitled to a refund.Excerpt from Booking.com's Terms and Conditions
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The clause states: “If they refuse you the car, call us straight away from the rental counter to cancel your booking, and we'll refund what you paid, minus the cost of three days of your rental. Otherwise you won't be entitled to a refund.”
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 178 platforms. See the full comparison.
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