How to Search, Book, and Send a Booking Request

Booking a locum on Airlocum takes just a couple of minutes — whether you need cover today, tomorrow, or in the future.

Step 1: Log In

Log in to your Airlocum account.

Step 2: Select Date & Role

Enter the date you need cover, and choose the locum role you require. (e.g. Nurse, Receptionist, Hygienist, Therapist, Ortho Therapist, or Dentist)

Step 3: Choose Your Booking Method

You have two options:

  • Quick Book – AI-powered and fastest for urgent cover (recommended for same-day or short-notice shifts).

  • Search Locums – Browse available locums, filter by skills, ratings, distance, and price.

Step 4: Review Results

  • See each locum’s photo, ratings, qualifications, hourly rate, reliability score, and reviews.

  • Decide whether to proceed with all matching locums or select individuals from your search results.

Step 5: Send Your Booking Request

  1. Click Proceed with All to notify every matching locum instantly, or choose specific locums.

  2. At checkout, you can:

    • Adjust arrival/leave times ⏰.

    • Add any special notes or requirements.

    • Review the total cost (hourly rate + our service fee + VAT — all included in the rate shown).

  3. Click Send Booking Request 🚀.

Step 6: What Happens Next

  • All selected locums receive your request instantly.

  • The first locum to accept gets the shift — the booking closes automatically.

  • Most shifts fill in under 15 minutes.

  • You’ll receive instant SMS/email updates when a locum accepts or declines.

  • Track your booking live — After sending your request, the Booking Request Tracker appears. It updates every 20 seconds showing how many locums have been notified, viewed your request, are checking their schedule, and when your shift is accepted.

Step 7: Payment

  • You only pay after the shift is completed and after you approved the locum’s timesheet.

  • This ensures your payment method (card or invoice) is only charged for verified work.

💡 Booking Tips:

  • For shifts under 24 hours away, send to 30+ locums to maximise your chances.

  • Use Quick Book for fastest results.

  • Filter for specific skills if your shift needs special qualifications.

  • Build your Favourites list to book trusted locums even faster in future.

💡 Tip: Register for free. Support is available via live chat. If you need help, just ask to speak to a person.