Airbnb Instant Book can be a game-changer for Airbnb hosts, boosting bookings and simplifying the process. However, it also means losing some control over who stays in your property. So, it’s essential for hosts to consider how it aligns with their hosting style and comfort level.
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What Is Airbnb Instant Book?
Instant Book is a feature designed to streamline the booking process for both guests and hosts. Unlike the traditional method where hosts must manually approve each booking request, instant booking on Airbnb allows guests to secure a reservation immediately. This means that when a guest finds a listing they like, they can book it right away, making the process quicker and more convenient.
Understanding the Airbnb Booking Process
When it comes to booking a stay on Airbnb, there are two primary options: Request to Book and Instant Book. Understanding how each of these works is crucial for hosts, as they offer different levels of control and convenience.
Request to Book
Request to Book is a booking option where the guest initiates a reservation request that the host must manually approve. Here’s how it works:
- Guest Sends a Request: The guest selects their desired dates and submits a booking request to the host.
- Host Reviews the Request: The host has up to 24 hours to review the request. During this time, the host can check the guest’s profile, read their reviews from other hosts, and communicate with the guest to clarify any details.
- Host Accepts or Declines: The host can either accept or decline the booking. If accepted, the booking is confirmed, and the guest is notified. If declined, the guest will need to look for another accommodation.
- Booking Expiration: If the host doesn’t respond within 24 hours, the booking request expires, and the guest should search for other options.
Request to Book is preferred by some hosts because it allows them to vet guests before committing to a reservation. This can be particularly useful for hosts who rent out their primary residence or have specific house rules they want to ensure guests understand.
Instant Book
Airbnb Instant Book is a more streamlined booking process that doesn’t require host approval. Here’s how it works:
- Guest Selects Dates and Books Instantly: The guest chooses their dates and the reservation will be placed immediately.
- Automatic Confirmation: The booking is confirmed automatically, and both the host and guest receive a notification.
- No Waiting Period: Since there’s no waiting for host approval, guests can quickly secure a place to stay.
Instant Book is not an option if a guest books within 48 hrs of their arrival and plans to check in outside your designated check-in hours. In such cases, you will receive a Request to Book reservation, allowing you to review the guest’s proposed check-in time. If this timing doesn’t fit your schedule, you can choose not to accept the reservation.
Benefits of Airbnb Instant Book for Hosts
1. Enhanced Booking Volume
Activating instant booking on Airbnb can significantly increase the number of bookings you receive. Guests are more likely to choose your listing when they can secure their stay instantly.
2. Improved Listing Ranking and Visibility
Listings with Instant Book are favoured in Airbnb’s search algorithms, resulting in higher placement in search results. This enhanced visibility means more eyes on your property, which can translate into a higher number of bookings and greater revenue.
Enabling Instant Book not only improves your search ranking but also targets travellers specifically looking for properties with this feature. This dual advantage means your listing gets more exposure, potentially leading to increased bookings and occupancy rates.
3. Streamlined Booking Process
Instant Book Airbnb simplifies the reservation process by removing the need for approval and communication with potential guests. This convenience reduces the time you spend managing bookings and allows you to focus on other aspects of hosting.
4. Better Response Rate
Instant Book eliminates the need for responding to booking requests, which improves your response rate – a key factor Airbnb uses to determine search placement. Since guests can book automatically, there are fewer opportunities for a delayed or missed response. A higher response rate can enhance your listing’s visibility and attractiveness to potential guests.
5. Achieving Superhost Status
To gain or maintain the Superhost status, you need to keep a 90% response rate. Instant Book helps you meet this target effortlessly by automatically handling bookings, making it easier for you to reach and retain the Superhost status.
6. Guest Satisfaction
Travellers appreciate efficiency and speed. Instant Book Airbnb caters to this by automating the booking process, which can lead to a better overall guest experience. Quick and easy booking can make your listing more appealing to guests who prefer a hassle-free reservation process.
7. Increased Earnings
Hosts using Instant Book typically see higher earnings. According to AirDNA, these properties have 7% higher ADRs and 10% higher RevPARs than those without this feature. The increased booking rate and visibility contribute to this higher income potential.
8. A Support for New Hosts
For new property managers, Instant Book Airbnb is a valuable tool to gain initial traction. By allowing guests to book your property instantly, you can quickly build up your number of bookings and reviews. So, you will establish a positive reputation on the platform.
Drawbacks of Airbnb Instant Book for Hosts
While instant booking on Airbnb can simplify the booking process, it comes with several potential challenges for hosts:
1. Risk of Problematic Guests
Instant Book removes the host’s ability to approve or reject bookings. So, there’s a greater chance of attracting guests who may not follow house rules or treat the property with care.
2. Reduced Control Over Bookings
Opting for Instant Book Airbnb means hosts relinquish some level of control over who stays at their property. This automated system does not allow for guest screening, potentially leading to less ideal bookings.
3. Higher Likelihood of Cancellations
Instant booking on Airbnb may lead to an increase in last-minute cancellations as this feature makes it easy for guests to make spontaneous decisions. While this can lead to more bookings, it also means that guests might not fully think through their plans before making a reservation. As a result, they might cancel later if they realise they made a hasty decision.
4. Potential for Increased Host Cancellations
Hosts with Instant Book enabled might find themselves needing to cancel bookings if they discover issues with the guests that weren’t apparent before. For example, the guest might have poor reviews from other hosts, might be planning an event that doesn’t align with the house rules, or might have special needs that the property can’t accommodate.
If a host feels uncomfortable with a guest or discovers a legitimate reason to cancel the booking, they may decide to do so. However, cancelling a booking can have several negative consequences. This can disrupt plans and may negatively impact the host’s rating and reputation.
How to Turn On Instant Book Airbnb
Here are the steps of enabling Instant Book:
- Log into the Airbnb account and navigate to the Listings tab.
- Choose the specific listing to modify.
- Find the Booking settings section within the listing management page.
- Locate the “How guests can book” option.
- Set the toggle switch to the off position.
- Click on “Save” to apply the changes.
When instant booking is enabled, it applies to all available dates in your booking calendar.
How to Customise Instant Book Settings for Your Airbnb
Customising your Instant Book settings on Airbnb can help you manage risks and ensure a smoother hosting experience. While instant booking allows guests to book your property immediately, you can adjust various settings to fit your preferences and reduce potential issues.
Identity Verification
One way to enhance security is by requiring guests to complete Airbnb’s identity verification process. This can involve providing their full legal name, address, government ID, and even a selfie. By enforcing these checks, you can ensure that guests meet your safety criteria before they confirm their booking.
Review Requirements
To maintain a high standard of guest quality, you can set a minimum number of positive reviews that guests must have. This helps you ensure that guests with a proven track record of positive interactions are the ones booking your property.
Minimum Stay History
You can require guests to have completed at least one prior stay to qualify for Instant Book Airbnb. This helps verify their experience with the platform and their reliability as guests.
Pre-Booking Message
A customisable pre-booking message allows you to set specific questions that guests need to answer before their booking is confirmed. This can be useful for gathering important information or clarifying any details about their stay.
Advance Notice
Control how much notice you need before a guest’s arrival. Options range from same-day bookings (with a cutoff time) to a minimum of 7 days. This helps you avoid last-minute bookings and gives you time to prepare.
Trip Length
Adjust your minimum and maximum stay requirements to suit your property’s needs. You can set limits to automatically accept or decline stays that are too short or too long.
Airbnb Instant Book Cancellation
If a host needs to cancel a reservation for a valid reason, Airbnb will help find alternative accommodations for the guests. They also ensure that the host does not face cancellation fees or other penalties.
Valid reasons for cancellation include:
- Unforeseeable Issues: Such as major damage to the property, emergency repairs (like a gas leak or burst pipe), or serious personal illness that makes hosting impossible.
- Guest Misconduct: Evidence that the guest intends to breach house rules, conduct an unauthorised event, or otherwise violate the Party and Events Policy.
- Major Disruptive Events: Such as public health emergencies or government travel restrictions.
For hosts using Instant Book Airbnb, additional acceptable reasons for cancellation may apply under certain circumstances, such as:
- Potential Rule Violations: If the guest is likely to break house rules, like bringing a pet or smoking.
- Concerning Guest Information: If the guest has several negative reviews or incomplete profile details that raise concerns.
Hosts can usually cancel Instant Book reservations online for these reasons. However, sometimes they might need to contact Airbnb to do so without facing penalties. Repeated cancellations may result in the requirement to disable instant booking.
How to Make the Most of Instant Booking on Airbnb
Enabling Instant Book Airbnb can streamline the booking process and increase your chances of securing more reservations. Besides customising the Instant Book settings, you can consider implementing the following strategies to ensure this feature benefits you:
Implement a Robust Cancellation Policy
Adopt a stringent cancellation policy to protect yourself from last-minute cancellations. A more restrictive policy can reduce the risk of sudden cancellations and ensure that you are compensated if a cancellation does occur.
Request a Security Deposit
Requiring a security deposit from guests serves as a deterrent against potential damage. It provides financial protection and encourages guests to treat your property with care.
Use a Rental Agreement
Having guests sign a rental agreement can offer both deterrence against bad behaviour and legal protection. This agreement clarifies the expectations and responsibilities of both parties and provides legal recourse in case of property damage or other issues.
Maintain Clear Communication
Effective communication is key to a successful hosting experience. Engage with guests from the moment they book to ensure they are aware of your house rules and any specific instructions. Clear and timely communication helps set expectations and prevents misunderstandings.
Choosing the Right Booking Method for Your Listing
As a host, deciding between Request to Book and Instant Book depends on your personal preferences and comfort level with hosting. Request to Book offers more control, allowing you to review potential guests before confirming a reservation. Instant Book provides convenience and can lead to higher booking rates. But, it requires trust that your listing details and house rules will attract the right guests.
Whether you choose Airbnb Instant Book or Request to Book, understanding how these options work will help you manage your Airbnb listing effectively and create a positive experience for both you and your guests.
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