Online travel platform MakeMyTrip has introduced a new paid feature allowing users to secure flexible check-in and check-out times during hotel bookings. The feature addresses a major pain point for travellers by guaranteeing early arrivals or extended departures for a fee. Currently, this option is live on the MakeMyTrip app and is available across more than 10,000 hotels, villas, and homestays in India, as well as over 1,000 properties across 20 international destinations.
The launch comes in response to clear consumer trends showing a massive demand for flexible timing. According to company data, 53% of domestic travellers arrive at their destinations before 9:00 AM, while 54% depart after 3:00 PM. To accommodate these schedules, the new feature allows travellers to lock in confirmed room slots in three, six, or nine-hour windows right at the time of booking, eliminating the usual uncertainty of hotel waiting times.
Beyond convenience for travellers, the initiative opens up a new revenue stream for hospitality partners. Abhishek Logani, Chief Business Officer of Hotels at MakeMyTrip, noted that while price and location remain vital, flexibility and confirmed room access are increasingly influencing booking decisions. He highlighted that hotel partners can now successfully monetize early-morning and late-evening inventory that previously went unused, creating a structured and beneficial solution for both hosts and guests.
