# How to respond to booking requests

> Once you receive a booking request you may do the following actions      Approve the booking      Decline the booking   Once the booking has been Declined

Source: https://support.boatsetter.com/en_us/how-to-respond-to-booking-requests-ryEX8kjno

Last updated: 2025-11-12T17:35:00.208Z

Once you receive a booking request, you may take the following actions:

*   **Approve the booking**
*   **Decline the booking**: Once the booking has been "Declined", the renter will receive an automated message letting them know your vessel is not available.
*   **Message the renter**: Instead of approving or declining the booking request, you can ask more questions about the renter's boating experience or their plans on the water.

![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/63b5c8a85a141f76a9688e43/c3fc91328253d0e45500828e9b55e2d9.png)

## **After approving a booking request**

Based on your notification preferences, you will receive an email and/or text notification once the booking is approved. In addition, you can access the renter’s contact information and booking details via the [Onboard Document](https://support.boatsetter.com/en_us/where-to-locate-the-onboard-document-SygfIyshi). Be sure to confirm the pick-up time, location, and [safety procedures](https://support.boatsetter.com/en_us/safety-equipment-and-life-jacket-requirements-S1vMUkoho) (life jackets, operating instructions, etc.) via phone, email, or message thread before the rental.

## **Expired booking request**

Pending booking requests (when the renter clicks “[Request To Book](https://support.boatsetter.com/en_us/how-to-book-a-boat-SJOW81i2o)”) will expire 72 hours after the request was made (or at booking start time, whichever comes first). Booking [inquiries](https://support.boatsetter.com/en_us/how-to-respond-to-an-inquiry-SkX7Lys2j) (when a renter clicks “Message Owner”) will expire when the inquiry date has passed. Pre-approved bookings do not expire, but owners can cancel a pre-approved booking directly from the message thread with the renter.

If you are unable to facilitate a booking on the requested date, it is important to let renters know and either decline their request or attempt to reschedule. Numerous expirations will lower your [response rate](https://support.boatsetter.com/hc/en-us/articles/200732235-Response-rate) and may result in temporary or permanent account suspension. It's also important to keep your [calendar](https://support.boatsetter.com/en_us/updating-your-calendar-B1CM81s3j) updated so renters cannot request days that are unavailable.