The author recounts a predicament where an accidental same-day booking for a ski trip resulted in a $560 charge despite immediate cancellation. After struggling with customer service and disputing the charge, the author discovers that unlike airlines, hotels do not have a universal refund policy for immediate cancellations. The article highlights the need for clearer booking interfaces and educates on existing refund policies, revealing how certain errors in bookings can lead to financial losses without recourse.
"Federal rules require airlines to refund any reservations canceled within 24 hours of booking, but such law does not exist for hotel rooms and vacation rentals."
"The 24-hour cancellation rule for airfare applies only if you book a flight seven or more days in the future; you booked a room for mere hours before your travel dates."
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