What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files websites store in your browser. They remember login status, language preference, shopping cart contents, and more. First-party cookies come from the site you're on. Third-party cookies come from other domains and are being phased out by browsers.
How it works in online booking
A client visits your booking page and picks "English" as their language. A cookie saves that choice. Next visit, the page loads in English automatically. Another cookie remembers a half-finished booking form - so if the browser closes accidentally, progress isn't lost. Sites created with the booking website builder handle cookies and consent banners automatically.
Benefits
- Remember client preferences like language, timezone, and previously selected services
- Keep forms partially filled so returning visitors don't start over
- Track which marketing campaigns bring actual bookings through attribution data
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a booking site need a cookie consent banner?
If you serve EU visitors, yes - GDPR requires consent for non-essential cookies (analytics, ads). Strictly necessary cookies (like session management) don't need consent. Even without tracking cookies, you still need to inform visitors about what you store.
What happens when a client blocks all cookies?
Booking still works - critical functions use server-side sessions. But convenience features disappear: the site won't remember their language, they'll need to log in every visit, and form data won't persist between pages. About 3-5% of users block everything.
