This is my first time trying to book. Is it uncommon for the host not to respond to the reservation request? Shouldn't they answer even if the house is not available?
@Deborah1232 Hosts have 24 hours to either accept or decline a request. Airbnb penalizes them if they fail to do so, so it's not a mistake that a seasoned host is likely to make. But if it's a newer listing without many reviews, they might not be on the ball about things.
As @Anonymous mentioned, hosts have 24 hs to answer.
If you would like to book a stay without waiting for the hosts answer/approval there is a filter you can set for those specific apartments on your search. If you go to your search filters, you have to check the ''Instant book'' option and all the instant book apartments will appear.
Thank you! I appreciate the responses. I had booked a home & also asked a question to the host but the host did not reply either way so Airbnb canceled the booking. Disappointed.