Bookings

Let customers schedule appointments directly through your messaging channels. SkyLight Chat Bookings supports multiple booking types, resource management, custom schedules, and full lifecycle tracking.

Purpose

The Bookings module enables service-based businesses to:

• Accept appointments — customers book via WhatsApp, web chat, or your AI agent.
• Define booking types — consultations, services, classes, etc., each with its own duration.
• Assign resources — staff members, rooms, equipment.
• Set availability — working hours, lunch breaks, holidays.
• Block dates — vacations, maintenance, special closures.
• Track status — pending, confirmed, cancelled, completed.
• Automate reminders — send WhatsApp notifications before appointments.

Who can access

Prerequisites

1. Booking types configured — at least one type must exist before accepting bookings.
2. Resources assigned (optional) — required if bookings need specific staff or rooms.
3. Schedules defined — default or resource-specific availability.
4. WhatsApp connected (for reminders) — enables automated appointment notifications.

Full walkthrough

Creating a booking type

Booking types define the services you offer.

1. Go to Bookings → Booking Types.
2. Click + Create Type.
3. Fill in:
   • Name (required) — e.g., 30-Minute Consultation.
   • Duration (required) — in minutes (e.g., 30, 60, 90).
   • Description — details shown to customers.
   • Price (optional) — display price; does not process payment.
   • Buffer time — minutes between appointments for breaks.
   • Max bookings per slot — 1 for one-on-one, higher for group sessions.
4. Click Save.

Booking type modes

Set the mode when creating the type; it determines how availability is calculated.

Managing resources

Resources are the people, rooms, or equipment required for a booking.

1. Go to Bookings → Resources.
2. Click + Add Resource.
3. Fill in:
   • Name (required) — e.g., Dr. Ahmed, Meeting Room A.
   • Type — staff, room, equipment.
   • Assigned Booking Types — which types this resource serves.
   • Schedule — select a custom schedule or use the default.
4. Click Save.

Customers can choose a resource when booking (if enabled), or the system auto-assigns based on availability.

Configuring schedules

Schedules define when bookings can be made.

1. Go to Bookings → Schedules.
2. Click + Create Schedule.
3. Name the schedule (e.g., Standard Hours, Weekend Only).
4. Set working hours for each day:
   • Start time and End time.
   • Breaks — e.g., 12:00–13:00 for lunch.
   • Closed — toggle off for non-working days.
5. Click Save.

Assign schedules to resources or set a default schedule for all bookings.

Blocking dates

Block dates to prevent bookings during holidays or closures.

1. Go to Bookings → Blocked Dates.
2. Click + Block Dates.
3. Select:
   • Date range — single day or multiple days.
   • Reason — e.g., National Holiday, Team Retreat.
   • Apply to — all resources or specific resources.
4. Click Save.

Blocked dates override regular schedules.

Creating a booking manually

1. Go to Bookings (main list).
2. Click + Create Booking.
3. Select:
   • Contact (required) — search or add new.
   • Booking Type (required).
   • Resource (if applicable).
   • Date and Time — available slots shown based on schedule.
   • Notes — internal notes.
4. Click Create.

The booking appears with Pending or Confirmed status based on your settings.

Managing booking statuses

Open a booking and use the action buttons in the detail view.

Viewing the calendar

Toggle to Calendar View for a visual overview:

• Day, week, or month views.
• Color-coded by status or resource.
• Click a time slot to create a booking.
• Drag-and-drop to reschedule.

Field glossary

Statuses and badges

Nested screens

Booking detail modal

Booking type editor

Resource editor

Schedule editor

Connections to other areas

Limits and plan behavior

Troubleshooting

Related articles

• Contacts — customer records linked to bookings
• AI Agents — automate booking through conversation
• Orders — link bookings to service orders
• Bookings API — programmatic booking management