Airbnb Holding a Reservation that I did not OK

[Sharon31]

How is it that Airbnb can hold a reservation for a guest that is still being verified? I never got a notification from Airbnb that someone was trying to book. This took place yesterday (Thurs) and the "reservation" is being held until tonight. I never accepted it because I never got a notification. I live in a HUGE tourist town and this guest being allowed to hold a reservation that hasn't been okayed by me is absurd! I may lose the entire night due to this being blocked until tonight. I called Airbnb and all I get is someone will call you. I'm fuming! It wouldn't be so bad but I already have been waiting 6 weeks for a resolve to a no show that was refunded and her horrible review of the cleanliness of my home when she never stepped foot on my property!! She also stated that if you come late to my Airbnb you WILL sleep in your car...UGH! Airbnb

[Emiel1]

@Sharon31 

This is a known issue, the "reservation" is marked as "checkpoint" on your calender and the only option you have to get rid of it: sent the guest a message to rectract his/her booking request ! Or wait....

[Sharon31]

Thank you! Yes, the reservation does say checkpoint. The guest just messaged me saying they want to come early and they are bringing extra people. The room only sleeps 2. Airbnb will not speak to me.

[Matt682]

@Sharon31 This happens when there is something on the guest account Airbnb need to double check, it could be a trust & safety issue, fraud, or a payment -related issue. Once they have done manual checks (rather than automated ones) it disappears, and it converts to a booking or disappears.

I’ve had it a few times now, and it’s frustrating, but it always resolved quickly, or at least, more quickly that calling Airbnb to talk to them about it!

[Sharon31]

Thanks, I have asked the guest to retract the reservation. I just think it's weird that my calendar is blocked for him and I never approved it. So frustrating! I have called Airbnb twice and all I get is people who tell me someone will call soon...ya right! 

[Sharon31]

I wouldn't want it to be a booking since he listed 2 people (It's one room in my home) and is now saying he is bringing more. That will be another phone call. Well, maybe not since I won't have approved it but in the meantime, I am losing a possible $250 booking. Thanks for your reply.

[Sarah977]

@Sharon31  One way to maybe get the guest to retract the request is that after messaging to let him know that you won't be able to accept the booking due to overage of guest count (and that no guests not on the reservation will be admitted) is to say if he retracts the request ASAP, that will give him more time to find a listing which can accommodate his group once his verification process is completed.

I agree it's absurd and rude for a host's calendar to be held hostage like this. New guests should have to have all their verifications approved before they are ever allowed to make a booking request. I know that when I've had seasoned Airbnb guests, their bookings are confirmed as soon as I accept.

[Sharon31]

OMG!!! I wrote the funniest reply and it was long. And, of course, an ERROR came up and it is GONE! I SO SICK OF AIRBNB!!  I've been doing this 5 yrs and I'm DONE! 

[Robin4]

@Sharon31 

Yep, it's always the longest replies, the ones you have put the most research into and the ones you really think might make someones else's day a bit better.!

You hit 'Reply'.....nothing happens, you scroll back to the head of your post to be faced with a red field that says...."Authentication failed"! AGHHHHHHHHHHHH 

You have lost it, all that work up the spout.

I learned a few years ago Sharon, if you are working from a computer never, never, never hit reply until you have copied your post. Left click, hold  and grab your post so it's all highlighted, right click and hit copy and then......press Reply!

Sure does save your sanity......not to mention the wear and tear on the keyboard and fingers!!

Cheers........Rob

[Sharon31]

Awww Robin, thank you for making me laugh after having such a horrible day with Airbnb! I copy and paste did the first one I should have learned. And by the way but you just read disappeared when I tried to post it the first time I’m copying and pasting it right now.