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.

[Guy991]

Hello @Eric8077 ,

Indeed, there is an old bug in the system in these types of situations, and I strongly advise that you write it as an idea in the suggestion box.

I am not sure they will fix it, but at least you have tried.

I do not believe guests do it on purpose. Sometimes they have issues with their payment method. I had a guest who wanted to extend their stay while they were here, but his payment did not go through. I saw exactly how it looked from his point of view.

[Eric8077]

What would be the bug?  They're always given 24 hours to remit payment.  Do you mean the card being declined is the bug?  I never see the option to cancel it on my end.  Do you mean there should be an option?  I've asked Airbnb support about it several times.

[Helen3]

Personally I don't take same day bookings and this is one of the reasons why.

Airbnb shouldn't accept same day bookings if they aren't able to ensure payment is made before a booking is confirmed @Eric8077 

[Eric8077]

They have to have a credit card on file.  Soon as I accept the booking request, an attempt to charge that card is done.  That's why any and every time it says "Payment Pending", it means their card was declined.  But, rather than setting a 24-hour cap like they do, I think they should make that customizable, especially for same-day and next-day bookings.  I want to give them 30 minutes and that's it for same-day.  For next-day, perhaps a couple hours.

As hosts, this should be customizable for us.  Why wouldn't it be?

I made this post as a reaction to it happening to me again yesterday.  The day lapsed without bookings because the guest never paid and it tied it up for hours.  There was a chance someone else would have booked it.

[Marie8425]

@Eric8077 

Maybe especially if you think done purposely.  Just before you accept send a polite note to the Guest,

Since this is a very soon check in time, we encourage you to monitor the credit card payment to insure accepted.  Airbnb processing is immediate so any difficulties are highlighted in minutes.  Please confirm your receipt of our advisement to avoid disruptions.

Instead of it being your mess to clean up puts it in their court but because you are nice.

[Eric8077]

That's not a bad suggestion.  I know there are ways to embed prewritten messages, but a custom one to that point, I'm not sure.

Those who block the calendar for the full day, never book, and never reply clearly had the intention of screwing me over.  I believe these could very well be friends/acquaintances of prior disgruntled guests.

[Marie8425]

@Eric8077 

My listing clearly says I smoke.

I have when I do turn on Instabook a prewritten message and before I approve any request in person.  

In case allergies please confirm you noted pets and smoking.

Works to eliminate also works when they check in and discover I really do work from home and try the smoke is a problem.  Really?  I mention it lol  I haven't lost that argument yet.

[Eric8077]

You mention specifically that you smoke indoors?

[Marie8425]

@Eric8077 

It says I allow smoking.  It says I have designated areas.  Yes, one of the designated areas is indoors my living room.  It says not suitable for minors because I smoke.  

[Eric8077]

I understand you have designated smoking areas.  I just wonder if you mention part of it is within the residence they'll be staying.  I can see a guest being upset if that is not explicitly stated.

I do not smoke, but I do assign a designated smoking area on the back patio and put an ashtray there.

[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.