What are Blackout Dates?

Blackout dates in the context of vacation rentals are specific dates during which a property owner or vacation rental company may not accept bookings for a particular property or destination.

These dates are typically predetermined and set by the property owner or rental company and are usually associated with peak travel periods or special events.

During these blackout dates, the vacation rental may not be available for rental or may only be available at a premium price due to the high demand for lodging during these peak periods. Blackout dates can include major holidays, local festivals or events, and other popular travel periods.

It is important to check the blackout dates before booking a vacation rental to ensure availability during the desired travel dates. Additionally, it is a good idea to book well in advance to avoid missing out on desired dates or properties.

The Most Common Blackout Dates

The most common blackout dates for vacation rentals can vary depending on the location, but they generally include major holidays and popular travel periods. Some of the most common blackout dates include:

1. Christmas and New Year’s Eve: Typically, the blackout dates for these holidays include the dates surrounding Christmas Eve (December 24th) and Christmas Day (December 25th), as well as the week leading up to and following New Year’s Eve (December 31st), often New Years Day (January 1st) as well.
2. Thanksgiving: Blackout dates for Thanksgiving usually include the week of Thanksgiving, which is the fourth Thursday in November in the United States.
3. Spring Break: The exact dates for spring break can vary depending on the location, but generally, the weeks before and after Easter Sunday (which falls on a Sunday between late March and late April) are considered blackout dates.
4. Summer months: Blackout dates during the summer months typically include the months of July and August, which are peak travel periods for many destinations.
5. Fourth of July: This American holiday celebrating independence is a popular time for travel and often causes vacation rental blackout dates around the July 4th weekend.
6. Memorial Day: This holiday honoring those who have died while serving in the U.S. military falls on the last Monday in May and often causes vacation rental blackout dates around the Memorial Day weekend.
7. Labor Day: This American holiday honoring the contributions of workers falls on the first Monday in September and often causes vacation rental blackout dates around the Labor Day weekend.
8. School holidays: Blackout dates may also apply to popular school holidays such as winter break, spring break, and summer vacation. The exact dates may vary depending on the school district and location.
9. Major sports events: Major sports events such as the Super Bowl, World Series, and NBA Finals can cause vacation rental blackout dates in the cities hosting the events, as well as in nearby areas due to increased demand for lodging.
10. Major local events: The blackout dates for major local events can vary widely depending on the event and the location. For example, the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin, Texas, usually takes place in mid-March and can cause blackout dates for vacation rentals in the area. The Mardi Gras festival in New Orleans, Louisiana, typically takes place in February or March and can also cause blackout dates for vacation rentals in the area.

It’s important to note that blackout dates can vary depending on the specific vacation rental or rental company. It’s always a good idea to check with the owner or rental company to find out about any blackout dates that may apply to your desired travel dates.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Blackout Dates

There are benefits and drawbacks to applying blackout dates for vacation rentals. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages:

Benefits of applying blackout dates:

1. Increased revenue: By applying blackout dates during peak travel periods or special events, vacation rental owners or rental companies can charge higher rates, leading to increased revenue.
2. Better management of inventory: Applying blackout dates can help vacation rental owners or rental companies manage their inventory by ensuring that properties are available during periods of high demand.
3. Avoiding overbooking: By applying blackout dates, vacation rental owners or rental companies can avoid overbooking their properties, which can lead to cancellations and unhappy customers.

Drawbacks of applying blackout dates:

1. Potential loss of business: Applying blackout dates may turn away potential customers who are looking to book during those specific periods. This can lead to a loss of business and revenue.
2. Negative impact on customer satisfaction: If a customer is unable to book a vacation rental during their desired travel dates due to blackout dates, it can negatively impact their overall satisfaction with the rental company or owner.
3. Increased competition: Applying blackout dates during peak travel periods can increase competition among vacation rental owners and rental companies, making it more difficult to secure bookings.

Overall, whether or not to apply blackout dates depends on the specific needs and goals of the vacation rental owner or rental company. It’s important to carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.

Explore iGMS, your one-stop solution for vacation rental management. With easy-to-use tools for guest communication, booking coordination, and team management, it simplifies your workload. It’s time-saving, efficient, and designed for everyone, from independent hosts to large companies. Upgrade your rental business and enhance guest satisfaction with iGMS.