Why isn't there a way to automatically cancel same-day reservations when payment isn't made quickly enough?

[Eric8077]

When a reservation request is approved and payment is pending, the guest is always given 24 hours to make a payment.  But, sometimes with same-day bookings, payment stays pending and is never made and I lose money.  Guests should have 30 minutes to pay max or the request should be canceled.  I always have to reach out to Airbnb support and they don't always cancel it.  I strongly feel some guests do this to me on purpose to make me lose money.  There needs to be a way to set a much lower timeframe for same-day bookings.

From my understanding, the only reason bookings are not immediately confirmed is because of declined credit cards.

[Shelley159]

Another reason for a delay is when guest identity still needs to be verified @Eric8077 

If you're using Instant book, you can turn on Require good track record to avoid instant booking by guests who still need to complete the verification process.

[Eric8077]

I never do instant book anymore.  I stopped that within a week or two of starting Airbnb.  It wouldn't be so bad if I were renting a home and not rooms within my own home.

I see the identify verification pending thing, which is also fine, but I think the card is at least charged by then.

[Joan2709]

@Eric8077 

All of what you say is logical and makes sense...but apparently Airbnb doesn't think so and continue to allow a guest who's credit card is declined (or other issue with their method of payment) to block the Host calendar for 24hrs? Really? 24hrs? Someone who truly just used an expired card by accident can easily add a different card in a few minutes couldn't they? Airbnb should at least reduce the 24hr time frame or allow a Host to decline right away. If the date is not booked by someone else, the original guest still has the opportunity to fix the issue and rebook. Either way, Airbnb is getting their service fee, so why continue to hold the Host hostage for 24hours?

Apparently Hosts previously had the ability to decline this requests, but not any more:

What Does Awaiting Payment Mean?

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2411

[Eric8077]

Right.  They could have very well had an issue with their card.  Usually it's fixed pretty quickly.  But, as hosts, that timeframe should be our discretion.

[Marie8425]

@Eric8077 

When I see the Identity Pending I say no problem finish your verification and I will approve.  Only takes them a few minutes.