Price increase after messaging host

[Pauline1140]

This has happened multiple times. I go to book a place, save it to work out the details, then I typically ask the host a simple question like if the lower floor has a bedroom due to elderly person not able to use stairs. Then, after the response, I go to book and the price increases, sometimes by double. This is infuriating! It’s nothing more than price gouging and taking advantage of those interested. I refuse to book from a sketchy host like this. What else will they try? I’m losing trust in AirBnB 😵‍💫

[Nandini11]

Hi @Pauline1140 

Thanks for sharing your experience, and It's really sad to hear about the frustration you've faced—that does sound incredibly disappointing.

It’s important to know that Airbnb hosts don’t usually have control over dynamic pricing changes in real-time. Many listings use Smart Pricing Tools (including Airbnb’s own )  that automatically adjust rates based on demand, availability, time of inquiry, or even how close the booking date is.

Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to noticeable price jumps in a short time, even while you’re still finalizing your decision.

That said, I completely understand how upsetting this feels—especially when you're planning carefully and asking genuine questions.

It’s always okay to reach out to the host to clarify the pricing or request them to honor the earlier rate, and you can also flag concerns directly with Airbnb if something feels off or unfair.

Airbnb definitely want Airbnb to remain a place you can trust and they never want anyone to feel misled or taken advantage of. 

Best Regards,

Nandini

[Pauline1140]

Thank you. I did message the host back about the price, but they were not interested in changing it, so I politely declined.  I can see an increase based on what you said, but more than double in a matter of minutes just seems very fishy. 

[Graham490]

Hi @Pauline1140 

Please realize that dynamic price is not use day all hosts.

In our instance we have opted to keep the price that same - for all seasons and potential periods. So while this may be "commercially naive", it suits us and I am sure the potential guests.

 Regards, Graham

[Kelly333]

Hi! Like @Nandini11 mentioned, similar to some hosts, I use a pricing tool that auto adjusts my prices based on multiple factors including demand; similar to how airlines price their seats.  The pricing system auto updates prices real time, so if a number of humans have or are looking to book on those dates (not only that Airbnb but other Airbnbs and hotels), then the prices may jack up automatically and quickly. 

I feel like most hosts truly want your business and would not take a chance of losing it by jacking up the prices after communicating with you. 

The truth is, I usually have no idea what the price is for a given date because the pricing tool is working in the background and adjusting the prices every minute/hour/day.

However, I have had guests reach out, then try to book, but the price increased.  If guests ask and I can swing it, I may give them the price they tell me they originally saw (again, I have no way to know what the price was 1 hour ago when the guest reached out to me for example).  

Just thought I'd share my experience in case it helps you or others understand what's going on behind the scenes with pricing so it doesn't seem like Airbnb hosts are trying to gouge potential guests.   

[Guy991]

Hello @Pauline1140 ,

That is indeed quite strange.
Sudden price increases of double the original amount aren't part of any automatic pricing systems I’m aware of. The algorithms typically adjust prices incrementally over time. While prices can eventually double, they don’t usually change so dramatically all at once.

This sounds to me like manual price intervention. Some hosts do this to discourage guests from proceeding with a booking instead of simply declining it. Also, since they can't collect a deposit through Airbnb, they may raise the price significantly to compensate for the perceived risk if a guest insists on booking.

So I started looking elsewhere. I’ve read what other hosts wrote about you and what you wrote to them, and I don’t see any real issues there.
Perhaps it’s just the tone of your messages or some uncertainty that makes them hesitant to accept your request?

It really is very strange.