Knowledge Base / platform-basics / how-reel-works
Booking lifecycle explained (request → accepted → completed)
Last reviewed: 2026-01-15
Booking lifecycle explained (request → accepted → completed)
Summary
Bookings move through statuses. Your next step depends on the current status and whether the captain has accepted the request.
What this means
Reel bookings typically flow like this:
- Requested → waiting for captain response
- Accepted → trip is confirmed (payment timing depends on deposit/balance rules)
- Declined/Expired → request didn’t become a confirmed booking
- Completed → trip has occurred (review eligibility typically follows)
- Cancelled → booking was cancelled (refund timing depends on the cancellation policy and timing)
States & eligibility (why it may be blocked)
- Requested: you can message the captain, but you may not be able to change certain details until it’s accepted.
- Accepted: changes may require captain confirmation; cancellation outcomes depend on timing.
- Cancelled: refunds are not instantaneous; payment processors and policy timing apply.
- Completed: reviews may only be allowed after completion, and visibility timing can differ.
Steps
- Open your booking details and confirm the current status.
- If the booking is Requested, wait for acceptance or message the captain with clarifying questions.
- If the booking is Accepted, use your booking details for meeting location and trip-day instructions.
- If you need to cancel or change, follow the relevant cancellation/change article and policy link.
Fix it fast
- Not sure what to do next: start from your booking status and follow the next action in the status description above.
- Status looks “stuck”: refresh and confirm you’re signed into the correct account; if needed, contact support with the booking ID.