What is "force majeure" in a hotel cancellation policy?

In short

  • Force majeure means an extraordinary event outside either party's control that makes the booking impossible to honour.
  • Typical examples: natural disasters, pandemics, war, terrorism, and government orders. Personal issues (illness, missed flight) usually don't count.
  • When force majeure applies and the hotel can't deliver, you're usually entitled to a refund. trip1 mediates with the hotel to process it.

What force majeure actually covers

"Force majeure" is a legal term meaning "superior force." In a hotel cancellation policy, it excuses one or both sides from fulfilling the contract when an extraordinary event makes performance genuinely impossible - not merely difficult or expensive.

Common force majeure events

  • Natural disasters: earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, volcanic eruptions.
  • Public health events: pandemics, quarantines, government-mandated closures.
  • War, civil unrest, terrorism, or serious civil disorder at or near the hotel.
  • Major infrastructure failures affecting the hotel's ability to operate.
  • Government orders that prevent travel or hotel operation (border closures, travel bans).

What usually doesn't count

  • Personal illness, missed flights, or work changes on your side.
  • Bad weather that inconveniences travel but doesn't stop the hotel from operating.
  • Economic hardship or currency changes.

What refunds are possible under force majeure

If the hotel physically can't provide the service (destroyed, ordered closed, evacuated), you're typically entitled to a full refund. Contact trip1 support with the booking reference and evidence of the force majeure event (news links, government advisories).

If the event happened but doesn't stop the hotel from operating (e.g. flooding nearby but the hotel is fine), the standard cancellation policy usually applies. Travel insurance may then be your best route to recover non-refundable costs.

Related articles

force majeure hotel policy - FAQ

Force majeure means an extraordinary event outside either party's control - natural disasters, war, pandemics, or major infrastructure failures - that makes the booking impossible to honour.

Typically earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, pandemics, war, terrorism, and government orders. Personal issues (illness, missed flight) usually don't qualify.

Usually yes, especially when the hotel can't provide the service. trip1 works with the hotel to refund or rebook - contact support with the booking reference.

Depends on the policy. Some travel insurance covers non-refundable losses due to force majeure events; check your policy's specific list of covered events.

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