We have a guest who stayed with us a few times before. Literally EVERY TIME he books with us after we confirm booking it shows "awaiting payment". Sounds like he had to deposit money into his bank to make the payment. There was one time he made a same day reservation but never completed the payment so our calendar remained blocked for that day.
He requested to book for one night (night of 11th) on the same day. Given his record of this issue we were a little hesitant so I asked him if he had his payment ready and he said yes. I accepted the request and payment was clear so I let him in. The next day (12th) he asked me if he could extend it and I granted it but that ran into the awaiting payment. He made several promise to me that he was going to pay it but it never happened. He literally stayed a free night and checked out late today (13th).
I found it ironic that Airbnb does not collect payment ahead even for same day booking requests, and allows the payment window to even run until after the check out time? The system needs to be revised IMMEDIATELY!