The Booking Confirmation Puzzle: What You Need to Know

[Dr-Jayanthi1]

When booking an Airbnb, guests often pay upfront even before the host confirms the request. But are they aware that hosts can decline the request? Do guests get notified that their booking is still pending confirmation?
And when the payment is already accepted by Airbnb. 
A friend of mine experienced a frustrating situation. They had planned their travel, assuming their Airbnb reservation was set, only to find out that the host hadn't confirmed it. Although they received a refund, (deducting the booking fee) they were left scrambling to find alternative accommodation at the last minute. It was a stressful situation that could have been avoided. 😢

Airbnb should address this issue to ensure a smoother booking experience. Have you had a similar experience? Share your story!

[Elena4354]

Hi @Dr-Jayanthi1 , reservation requests give host 24 hours to review and accept or decline each booking request submitted.

When the guest makes a request to book and completes the payment, a reservation request is automatically sent to the host, who has 24 hours to accept or decline the request. The status for the reservation will be "Pending" until the host responds. 

If the host declines  request or doesn't respond within 24 hours, the booking status will be updated as "Declined" or "Expired," and the payment will be refunded the the original payment method. 

Kind regards. 

Elena. 

[Shelley159]

Hi @Dr-Jayanthi1 

This happens when listing settings are such that the host has to approve each request. Guests can avoid this situation by selecting the Instant Book filter, in which case bookings are instantly confirmed because only Instant Book listings will show up.

(I do understand, however, that you're making the point that guests searching without the filter should be notified that the request is pending).

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Dr-Jayanthi1 If a host rejects a booking request then the guest should get a full refund including the booking fee. I suggest your fried contacts Airbnb to get the rest of their money back.

[Paula]

Hello @Dr-Jayanthi1, thank you for bringing this topic to our community.

Our Hosts have shared their interesting perspectives. Have you had a chance to read them?

Please keep us updated.