Do you allow someone to book for someone else?

[Erin443]

I'd like your opinions. I have a woman who joined Airbnb 4 years ago and doesn't have a single review. She booked our guest suite for two weeks for her fiance and a friend who's coming here for surgery (we're five minutes from the hospital district so we get a lot of patients.) Do you let someone book for other people? This is two weeks from a person with no reviews who won't even be here.

Thoughts? I thought this was against Airbnb rules? Thank you for your advice.

[Colleen253]

@Erin443 

https://www.airbnb.ca/help/article/427/booking-for-friends-and-family

When this happens, I ask the person booking to retract their request and have the people who want to stay create an account and book themselves. Third party bookings can be problematic for many reasons. 

[Erin443]

Thank you, Colleen, I still worry about "offending" people when I know it's to protect us as the hosts. I appreciate the link.

[Mike-And-Helen0]

@Erin443 @Colleen253 

exactly the same, good advice.

[Erin443]

Thank you, Mike and Helen!

[Laura2592]

@Erin443 we sometimes get well meaning parents trying to book for their kids. Honeymoons, vacations with friends, etc. Third party bookings are not allowed on ABB. The booking person is supposed to be staying at the space. How else to give an accurate review? 

I would do as others have indicated and say "We are so pleased that you are interested in our suite! Unfortunately ABB does not permit bookings by guests who will not be staying in the space. We would love to host your fiance so please have them contact me at their earliest convenience to secure the dates. In the meantime, go ahead and cancel your booking so they will be free for your fiance to snap up. Thank you so much!"

Sometimes a guest has bad reviews so others will book on their behalf. This happened to us once. A sister wanted to book as a "surprise" for her sibling and I explained as above. Sibling had several reviews saying she invited other people to her spaces and threw parties. Not someone we wanted to host. Be extra careful.

[Larry339]

In my house rules, I indicate that third-party bookings are not allowed and are against Airbnb policy. As a host, it would also disallow you from claiming against Airbnb host guarantees. And in my particular house insurance policy, it would also be problematic to claim on this policy. It never makes sense to allow third-party bookings and guests will accept it if you clearly explain the reason why.

[Erin443]

Thank you, Larry! It did turn out just fine in this case, which was a relief. But it's nice to have the extra assurance from my fellow hosts.