The trick that few know to cancel your hotel reservation for free with less than 24 hours' notice

In the world of travel, plans change constantly. Whether due to a canceled flight, a personal emergency, or simply a change of mind, facing a penalty for canceling a hotel reservation at the last minute can be frustrating. However, in recent weeks, a trick shared on TikTok has gone viral for offering an apparent solution to this common problem.

Leo Scaglione (@scaglioneleo) was the user who sparked all of this. In a video that has already surpassed four million views, he explained step by step how it's possible to cancel a reservation for free even with less than 24 hours' notice, the usual deadline after which cancellation fees apply. The technique has generated debate among frequent travelers, tourism professionals, and hotel employees.

The method is simple in theory, although it may involve certain ethical considerations and specific conditions of the hotel. Scaglione explains it as follows:

If you know you won't be able to reach the hotel within the timeframe that would allow you to cancel without penalty, instead of canceling directly, you should modify the reservation (as long as the system allows it) to change it to a later date - for example, a week later.

Once you've changed the date, go back to your reservation and proceed to cancel it. Since the new reservation is outside the critical 24-hour window, the majority of booking platforms (like Booking.com or Expedia) will allow cancellation at no cost.

Scaglione's video was accompanied by screenshots and a clear narrative that quickly made it trend. Hundreds of users began trying it, some confirming its effectiveness and others warning of possible complications.

This is where the debate comes in. Technically, the trick does not violate any laws, as it relies on the tools provided by the booking platforms themselves. However, from an ethical and business standpoint, there are significant nuances.

"These types of maneuvers take advantage of a loophole in the booking systems," says Laura Gómez, manager of a boutique hotel in Seville. "But when a guest doesn't show up and avoids the penalty, the hotel loses income and opportunities to resell that room."

Additionally, some hotel chains are beginning to adjust their policies and internal systems to prevent this type of 'fraudulent' modification. In certain cases, changing a reservation date is no longer possible within the cancellation period, and in others, a minimum fee applies even after changes.

According to user experience and responses in the post itself, the trick seems to work more frequently on platforms like Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia, although not uniformly. It depends on factors such as:

Airbnb, for example, does not allow date modifications as easily once the penalty period has begun, and the cancellation policy is usually more strictly tied to the host's conditions.

If, despite everything, you decide to apply this trick, there are a few aspects you should consider to minimize problems:

This great secret has opened a broader conversation about the flexibility demanded by modern travelers versus the rigidity of some hotel policies. While some defend the ingenuity of those who use it as a way to 'hack the system,' others consider it a practice that harms the industry and could lead to even greater restrictions in the future.

The fact is that the viral nature of Leo Scaglione's video has highlighted an evident need: more transparency and flexibility in booking conditions. Perhaps, instead of hiding behind strategic date changes, travelers and hotels should find common ground that allows reasonable adjustments without harming either party.

Until then, this trick will continue to stir up conversation and is likely a significant cause for concern for a large number of hoteliers.