Whats app

[Lori4291]

We have booked a Airbnb listing. Host says in Airbnb message that a few days prior to us arriving he will send checkin instructions to me and videos on checkin to me via whats app? Why would he do that instead of giving them to me on Airbnb?

[Till-and-Jutta0]

It might be easier for the host - however that's simply against the Airbnb rules, see https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2799#section-heading-5

[Shelley159]

Hi @Lori4291 

Until fairly recently, one couldn't attach videos in the Airbnb message thread. It's possible that the host is still in that frame of mind. Hosts also often complain that some guests don't see Airbnb app messages, but are far more likely to check WhatsApp regularly.

If you'd rather receive the instructions inside the Airbnb app, you can let the host know and they may be happy to supply them there.

Some hosts also have check-in instructions pre-populated in the reservation (but not all hosts use this, as for preparation purposes some would like to ask your check-in time before sending all the details).

[Lori4291]

hi there, yes thank you for your response. I have been in contact with the host who had no issue keeping all the communication within the Airbnb app. She did advise that she only uses WhatsApp to send the videos of the listing as the Airbnb app doesn’t allow this. I apologized for being overly cautious, but explained that with so many scams and Airbnb fraud listings in existence, you can never be too careful

[Shelley159]

Great @Lori4291!

The latest Airbnb update does allow for videos in the messaging thread, but many users just aren't used to it yet!