Hosting

[Deb152]

Hi everyone,

I have had several requests for bookings for friends and relatives as a surprise. Am I correct in thinking this goes against Airbnb’s policy and that I would not be covered? 

[Matt682]

@Deb152 I’m pretty sure that’s right, but I put it in my house rules anyway, just to be clear with people.

I request government ID is registered for all my guests... having people book on behalf of others undermines that safety feature.

I have a template that goes along the lines of “Thanks for booking, but my house rules and Airbnb’s terms and conditions prevent you from booking on behalf of another guest. You will need to cancel your booking and have them book under their own profile instead.”

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Deb152 Technically you are correct but I would advise that you should not rely on the Airbnb host guarantee anyway.

[Anonymous]

@Deb152  You can refer such requests to this link:  https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/427/can-i-book-on-behalf-of-a-friend-or-family-member

Anyway, aside from the coverage issues, third-party bookings are a bad idea for other reasons: the guest may not be as appropriate of a fit as a booker imagined them to be, and details such as House Rules and check-in times tend to get lost in the relay of information. I'd personally find it really weird to be "surprised" with a trip for specific dates when I might have already had other plans. But the "surprise" booking is OK if the account holder is a member of the group who's staying. And Airbnb also sells gift cards, if they aren't.

[Deb152]

Thanks for all your help