Archive · 12 Aug 2025
Travel Thrifting: Reselling Unused Bookings Gains Traction
Imagine if you could buy someone else's vacation plans!
That's what travel thrifting is.
Websites like SpareFare let people sell flights and hotels they can't use anymore.
Buyers get discounts, sometimes big ones, especially if they're willing to travel last-minute.
When someone sells, the website holds the money until the trip is done.
It's great for people with free time and a sense of adventure.
This way, travellers with flexibility can grab a trip from someone who had to change plans, at a potentially better price.
Online marketplaces enable the resale of non-refundable travel bookings like flights and hotels.
Platforms such as SpareFare and Roomer connect sellers with buyers, offering discounts.
Discounts typically range from 20-30%, with deeper cuts available closer to departure.
SpareFare acts as a middleman, holding payments until bookings are confirmed.
The model appeals to flexible travellers and offers sellers a chance to recover costs.
- Who
- Travellers with unused bookings, and buyers seeking discounts.
- What
- Resale of non-refundable travel bookings (flights, hotels).
- When
- Marketplaces are growing in use now.
- Where
- Online marketplaces, with a growing presence internationally.
- Why
- To offer discounts on travel and allow sellers to recoup costs.
Challenges
Opportunities
Operational Feasibility
Challenges
Airline policies on name changes vary, causing booking cancellations.
Opportunities
Resale platforms offer competitive travel experiences.
- Marketplaces
- SpareFare, Roomer, Plans Change, Transfer Travel
- Typical Discount Range
- 20-30%
- Service Fee (SpareFare)
- 12% commission
- Transaction Type
- Resale of non-refundable travel bookings
- Luxury Variant
- Eluxit