A Departure Block is a feature that can be enabled when using the Housekeeping module to automate blocking availability for new same-day arrival or last-minute reservations after reservation check-out in an area. When enabled, a Departure Block can be configured on any Housekeeping Task setup as a 'Departure Clean' with the required number of days to create a maintenance reservation in the area.

If the Property is not using a Departure Block, the live availability updates to all connected channels, which reflect the movements of reservations in real time. When the current guest checks out, the availability of the space will be reflected online and in RMS, allowing for new reservations to be made at short notice. 

A Departure Block can ease manual management of online availability or prevent late arrival reservations from being made online after the office is closed or housekeeping has finished for the day. When combined with a release back time, the occurrence of a guest booking and arriving at the Property at short notice is eliminated.

Activating Departure Blocks 

Prior to configuring Departure Blocks, the option must be activated. 

1. Go to Setup > Property Options > Property Information.
2. Select 'Edit' on the Property.
   
    
3. Go to the 'Housekeeping' tab.
4. Select the box for 'Use Departure Block.'
5. Select 'Save/Exit'. 
   

Departure Block Configuration

A departure block is used to create space between existing reservation departures and new same-day arrivals or last-minute bookings from connected online channels when housekeeping or the front office is not available at short notice to prepare an area for the last-minute arrival.

1. Go to Setup > Housekeeping > Tasks.
2. Select a Departure Clean Housekeeping Task and select 'Edit'.
   
    
3. Go to the 'Task Time Allocation' tab.
4. Enter the Departure Block (Number of Days) per category.
5. Select 'Save/Exit'.