Search context and URLs
Most booking shortcodes read the same information from the page URL. That shared snapshot is called search context.
When someone uses [bec_search], submitting the form reloads the page and adds parameters starting with bec_.
Common parameters
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
bec_checkin | Stay start date (format your site expects—normally YYYY-MM-DD). |
bec_checkout | Stay end date. |
bec_adults | Number of adults when using adults + children mode. |
bec_children | Number of children when using adults + children mode. |
bec_total_guests | Single guest count when the provider uses total guests mode (internal wiring maps this into quote/checkout context). |
bec_child_age[] | Repeated field—one age per child when child ages are enabled. |
bec_rate_id | Selected rate plan when multiple rates exist—booking summary links rewrite this value. |
Exact parameter names always begin with bec_ so they do not collide with other plugins.
“Complete” context
Shortcodes that need live pricing (quotes, checkout, booking summary) require a complete context:
- Check-in and check-out filled in
- At least one paying guest represented in the internal adults count (total-guest mode satisfies this automatically)
If dates are missing, those shortcodes usually show search-only or empty states rather than calling the API.
Example URLs
Landing search forwards to an archive:
https://example.com/units/?bec_checkin=2026-06-01&bec_checkout=2026-06-08&bec_adults=2&bec_children=1
Same dates preserved on a unit page:
https://example.com/properties/ocean-room/?bec_checkin=2026-06-01&bec_checkout=2026-06-08&bec_adults=2&bec_children=0
Use [bec_unit_url] when building links so you do not hand-copy parameters—see bec_unit_url.