I have the Instant Book settings turned on for my listing. During the night last night, (2:00AM), I noticed that my calendar was blocked off and a guest who did NOT meet any of my Instant Booking criteria was sent an automated email from me confirming his reservation. I was fairly alarmed as this person had just signed up for Airbnb in January 2021, had not verified their identified, and of course, had no reviews from other hosts as my settings require in order to instant book. I'm still very confused as to how and/or why my automated software sent him a confirmation email. This hasn't ever (inaccurately), happened before.
I'm so very confused right now. The CS I am on the phone with says that every time I am sent a booking request, it automatically blocks those dates on my calendar. Okay,--but, my question that I cannot seem to get answered, is HOW was this potential guest, who did not meet any of my Instant Booking criteria, able to tentatively "book" my place and block my calendar? I was very frustrated as for 13 hours, I could not approve or decline the reservation. The only button I had was a "Message" button. I was just "told" by Airbnb that the dates would be held. (See screenshot below.). Finally at 3 PM this afternoon, I was sent a "booking request" with a button asking me to approve or decline.
Has anyone else ever had this happen? If so, am I doing something wrong with my settings?
I had no way to accept or decline this booking request for 13 hours.
Julieanna