iCal Connection

Unlike a real-time API, iCal is typically pull-based: each channel polls the feed on a set schedule. That makes it useful for basic availability sharing—but it’s not ideal for live pricing, complex restrictions, or multi-unit inventory where milliseconds matter.

How iCal Connections Work

At a high level, your PMS or channel exports an ICS URL; other channels import it to block dates. You can also import a channel’s ICS into your PMS to see external bookings. Most setups require separate links for import and export.

• Export: Share your PMS’s ICS URL with connected channels so they can pull booked/unavailable dates.
• Import: Add each channel’s ICS into your PMS to ingest their bookings and keep a single source of truth.
• Polling: Channels refresh on their own cadence (not guaranteed). Some allow manual “refresh now.”

What iCal Syncs—and What It Doesn’t

• Syncs: Basic availability blocks (booked or manually blocked nights), event start/end times, and cancellations (if published with STATUS:CANCELLED).
• Does not sync: Rates, taxes, fees, photos, descriptions, messages, and most rules (minimum stay, CTA/CTD). Use per-channel settings or a real-time API via a Channel Manager.

When to Prefer API over iCal

• Instant Booking & peak demand: API connections reduce refresh delays that can cause double bookings.
• Multi-unit or room-type inventory: Use pooled inventory with a Channel Manager for accurate allocation.
• Rate & rule control: Push prices, taxes, and restrictions in real time instead of maintaining them per channel.

Best Practices

• One feed per unit: Publish unique ICS links for each listing or unit to avoid cross-contamination.
• Clean VEVENTs: Use non-overlapping VEVENTs with DTEND as checkout, include UID, and cancel with STATUS:CANCELLED rather than deleting.
• Timezone clarity: Specify TZID or normalize to UTC; avoid mixed timezone data.
• Calendar hygiene: Reconcile regularly; after bulk changes, trigger a manual refresh where possible.
• Escalate when needed: For high-velocity dates, move to API connections through your PMS or Channel Manager.

Related Terms

• Channel Manager
• Property Management System (PMS)
• Calendar Management
• Instant Booking
• Double Booking
• Dynamic Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an “iCal connection” the same as Apple’s Calendar app?

Not exactly. “iCal” is colloquial for the iCalendar standard (ICS). Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, Outlook, and OTAs all understand ICS, but the app is separate from the interchange format.

How often do channels refresh ICS feeds?

It varies by platform and can change without notice—commonly every 15–60+ minutes. Some channels throttle refreshes during peak times.

Can iCal carry price or minimum-stay data?

Generally no. Treat ICS as availability-only. Maintain pricing and restrictions in each channel or push them via a real-time API.

What’s the safest way to test after I add an ICS link?

Create a short manual block in your PMS, wait for the channel to refresh (or use “Refresh now”), and confirm the block appears. Then remove it and confirm it clears on all channels.

Will iCal work for a 10-unit lakefront lodge?

It will sync basic blocks, but it’s brittle for multi-unit allocation. Use pooled inventory and API connections via a Channel Manager to avoid oversells.

I cancelled a booking—why are the dates still blocked?

Ensure you published a cancellation (STATUS:CANCELLED) or removed the blocking event, then wait for the next refresh. If the channel caches aggressively, trigger a manual refresh.