How do booking rules work?
Booking rules define a maximum booking limit per period. As soon as a customer reaches the limit, their next booking within the defined scope is blocked. Optionally, a custom error message is shown. The basic principle:- You create a rule with a name, a limit and a period.
- You define the scope: all bookings or only certain resources/services.
- You decide whether the rule applies to all users or only to certain ones (block list) or exempts certain ones (allow list).
When do I use this?
- You want to ensure fair usage: Limit bookings per period so all customers get equal access (e.g. max. 1 study space per day at a university).
- You need a block list: Set the limit to 0 and assign the rule to certain users to exclude them from bookings entirely.
- You want to create VIP exceptions: Create a rule with a tight limit and exempt certain users (e.g. premium members) via the allow list.
- Not suitable for: Blocking entire time periods. Use Global Blockers instead (Account Settings → Global Blockers).
Relationship to other features
- Communities: With booking rules, you can block users who end up in a community via SSO/auto-join but shouldn’t be able to book certain resources.
- Global Blockers: While booking rules limit the number, Global Blockers block complete time periods for resources or services.
Settings & options
Practical examples
A university limits study-space bookings to 1 per day
A university limits study-space bookings to 1 per day
Add a rule
Configure limit and period
Restrict the scope
Store an error message
Save
A coworking space creates a block list for members in payment arrears
A coworking space creates a block list for members in payment arrears
Add a rule
Set the limit to 0
Define the scope
Assign users
Store an error message and save
FAQ
Can I create several rules at the same time?
Can I create several rules at the same time?
What's the difference between 'Include users' and 'Exclude users'?
What's the difference between 'Include users' and 'Exclude users'?
What happens if I choose the period 'In the future'?
What happens if I choose the period 'In the future'?
Can I store the error message in several languages?
Can I store the error message in several languages?
Troubleshooting
My rule doesn't apply to a certain booking option
My rule doesn't apply to a certain booking option
A blocked person can still book
A blocked person can still book
The notice isn't shown to customers
The notice isn't shown to customers