They often delay large-ticket commitments
When flight schedules remain uncertain, travellers frequently postpone major plans. Hotels have reported cancellations and deferrals of pre-booked events and conferences.
Rubina Sharma, Hotel Manager at Eros Hotel New Delhi, said confirmed December occupancy has declined.
“Our occupancy rate in December has dropped 5% compared with December last year because many pre-booked events or conferences have either been cancelled or deferred,” she said, adding that “major events and big personal events are either being cancelled or postponed.”
They often rely on last-minute accommodation
Disruptions typically lead to an increase in same-day or next-day hotel stays as travellers wait for rebooked flights. Sharma said her property has seen a sharp rise in short-notice bookings.
“We have seen a 25–30% increase in same-day and next-day bookings, which has pushed up occupancy by roughly 10–12 percentage points. ADR has also moved up moderately because of the sudden demand.”
For consumers, this often results in unplanned accommodation expenses that were not part of the original travel budget.
They often choose hotels near airports
Stranded travellers generally prioritise proximity and convenience. Amit Raman, General Manager at Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi, said demand has shifted toward airport-centric locations.
“Most stranded travellers are choosing mid-segment hotels, as they look for comfort, safety and reliable services at short notice,” he said.
“Properties around Aerocity in Delhi, GMR-Hyderabad, and Kempegowda-Bengaluru are under the most pressure.”
Stays in such situations tend to be brief, typically limited to one night.
They often encounter variable pricing
During periods of disruption, hotel pricing adjusts to short-term demand. Raman said hotels are relying on dynamic pricing models.
“Hotels have relied on dynamic pricing, leading to a natural increase during peak distress periods,” he said, while noting that some properties are also offering emergency rates for longer stays or group passengers.
They often look for flexibility in bookings
Online travel platforms report that travellers are increasingly factoring flexibility into spending decisions. Bernard Corraya, General Manager at Wego India, said consumers are responding to uncertainty by prioritising refundable options.
“Many travellers are looking for flexible and refundable options to manage unexpected changes better,” he said.
Users are also tracking flight updates and alternative accommodation options more actively.
They often reassess festive travel plans
Repeated disruptions can influence broader festive-season spending. According to Sandeep Arora, Director at Brightsun Travel India, booking data reflects increased caution.
“Hotel bookings have seen an 11% year-on-year decline, with over 40% cancellations or postponements for upcoming holiday stays,” he said, adding that the impact extends to both leisure and corporate travel.
Industry bodies say this volatility complicates planning during peak periods. FHRAI President Surendra Kumar Jaiswal pointed to irregular travel patterns.
“The hospitality sector is witnessing a noticeable spike in last-minute cancellations, unpredictable arrivals, and truncated stays.”
What consumers can do
Personal finance planners suggest factoring disruption risk into festive travel budgets. This includes choosing refundable bookings, setting aside contingency funds for unplanned stays, and limiting advance payments for large events until travel plans are more certain.