Travel Alert: 2026 Hotel Blackout Dates & Travel Trends

As we approach the planning phase for 2026, Kintetsu International wants to ensure you stay ahead of the curve regarding Hotel Blackout Dates.

A blackout date is a period when hotels experience peak demand due to major events, holidays, or local festivals.
During these times:

• Loyalty rewards and points are restricted.
• Promotional rates and discounts are unavailable.
• Kintetsu’s preferred corporate rates are often suspended.

In 2026, the primary driver for these restrictions across the U.S. will be the FIFA World Cup.
 

With the U.S. hosting matches in 11 major cities, hotel availability will be at an all-time low. We are already observing average rate surges of over 300% during match weeks in host cities.

Host Cities: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.
 

Based on current industry data, the following windows are expected to be highly restricted. We recommend avoiding these dates if your travel plans are flexible:

For Hotel Online Booking:

Most major U.S. hotel chains apply blackout dates for the following holidays:

1. Book as Early as Possible: Inventory for high-demand cities will disappear quickly.
2. Stay Flexible: Avoid these specific windows to minimize costs.
3. Consult with Us: Our team can help you find alternative dates or locations.

Don’t wait until prices rise further. Use our online booking tool to check real-time availability and secure your rates today.

For Hotel Online Booking:

For Corporate Account (BTM) Solutions:

For Group & MICE Inquiries: