Can you no longer do free courtesy holds?

[latebuyer]

I did a courtesy hold and the agent charged my card the deposit. He said i had 24 hours to change my mind. Is that correct? At least i got it in writing. As i recall you used to be able to do a courtesy hold and not pay anything.

[Coralc]

I think a travel agent has to do it for you. They have the ability to place holds. 

[firefly333]

1 hour ago, latebuyer said:

I did a courtesy hold and the agent charged my card the deposit. He said i had 24 hours to change my mind. Is that correct? At least i got it in writing. As i recall you used to be able to do a courtesy hold and not pay anything.

If it's a courtesy hold they shouldn't have charged your card. Doesnt sound right to me.

 

@Ourusualbeachwould know .. but I think sounds wrong to charge your card. 

[OCSC Mike]

4 hours ago, firefly333 said:

If it's a courtesy hold they shouldn't have charged your card. Doesnt sound right to me.

 

@Ourusualbeachwould know .. but I think sounds wrong to charge your card. 

Agreed. I remember courtesy holds in the past when booking myself & TA’s can place them for far longer than 24 hours.

[Mikamarii]

I booked one recently....maybe 2 months or so ago through my TA. Got a 1 week courtesy hold, no deposit, that she was able to extend an additional week 2 more times. 

[molly361]

They used to have a 24 hour period after booking where you could cancel for a refund. Try calling.  Then try again for the courtesy hold

Edited May 30, 2023 by molly361

[Ourusualbeach]

7 hours ago, latebuyer said:

I did a courtesy hold and the agent charged my card the deposit. He said i had 24 hours to change my mind. Is that correct? At least i got it in writing. As i recall you used to be able to do a courtesy hold and not pay anything.

Sounds like they just booked you and are using the fact that you can cancel within 24 hours andecget a refund.  Totally different than a courtesy hold where your card woukd not have been charged. 

[Tapi]

Sounds like the TA pulled a fast one on you, maybe to get credit for the booking before the end of the month, even if you cancel later. 
 

Courtesy holds don’t require a credit card, and many will be good for several days. We booked our upcoming June cruise on the Harmony just a few weeks ago. I did a courtesy hold through my TA (no credit card required) and then called back a few days later and gave them my credit card then. 

[latebuyer]

Thanks. It sounds like the agent made a mistake. I was able to get a refund and will know for next time.