ABB confirmed guest with no references

[Dan14705]

I have my setting set to "must have prior positive references" in order to auto-book our cabin.  AirBnB confirmed a guest on short notice with no references.  Guest is non responsive on messaging - what do I do?  

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Dan14705 Call Airbnb and ask them to do a no fault no penalty cancellation as their system is at fault. You could though try calling them as many guests don't use the Appin the same way as hosts do.

[Bettye6]

@Dan14705,

Sorry this had occurred to you. I agree with @Mike-And-Jane0 that is seems like a glitch in the system or cooking? Or can the system get hacked and this is just a nonsense booking?

However with that being said I don't even have a 'must have positive referencers' on my AirBnB platform.  Under 'How Guest can book'  I get a 'Good Track Record'  (Only allow guests who have stayed on AirBnB without incidence or negative reviews) which I can toggle on or off.

AirBnB updates about every 6 months. I have found that what my IOS app, laptop and others when together is not the same interface. I learned that as I was just starting out and had someone showing me how to find certain things on the app. We were both a little shocked. 

Example: Under Availability > Advance notice I have At least 1 day selected. Invariably I have had 2 people try to book the same day and had to decline. I felt these requests should have never even crossed into the platform.

You also mentioned you already tried to reach out to them. Sadly you must keep calling support, when you call the first time and do not get the response you need, end the call and call again. I have read in this Community Blog it has taken up to 3 representatives to finally get things right.

The best of luck in fixing this. 

[Debra300]

@Bettye6, the prior wording used to be "must have prior positive reviews', but it was changed when the instant booking requirements were updated about a year ago.

@Dan14705, maybe it's possible that your selection was removed when the update was implemented.

[Bettye6]

Excellent point! I started Feb. 2023 and that is a good possibility where the confusion is coming from. Do you know if AirBnB automatically updates or one must do that themselves?

My auto correct is killing me too :-), I meant booking not cooking LOL

[Debra300]

I think it's always a good idea to review listing details and settings, but particularly after a new rollout.  I think that I did check my listings after they announced the new IB requirements, and did have to update the selections on some, but I wasn't sure if it was due to Airbnb or just another Debra-error.

It's probably time that I review the listings again.

[Paula]

Hello @Dan14705, I noticed you posted in our Community a few days ago and wanted to check in. Did you follow any of the advice given by our wonderful Hosts? Were you able to contact Airbnb?

It would be great to know if this situation was resolved, as other Hosts in similar situations can learn from your experience.

Keep us posted.

[Gwen386]

@Dan14705 Contact airbnb immediately and ask them to cancel the reservation since it’s their mistake.

Under no circumstances should you cancel the reservation because you might be hit with a cancellation fee. 

Good luck.