We should not have to employ tricks to get the guest's hidden photo. This is what I requested today from AirBnb:
I ask that you please require that all who register with AirBnb upload a Profile Photo prior to making reservations. I have a male guest arriving today who does not have a profile photo. I called Customer Service and was told that even though he has provided AirBnB with a Selfie, I do not have access to it even after accepting the reservation. Why is that? Hosts should be able to see who will be showing up to share their living space for whatever period of time. I have asked the guest to text me a Selfie or photo of himself prior to arriving and I hope that he will, but that is totally at his discretion. As a single woman hosting, or indeed for any hosts, it is imperative that we have the information we need to keep ourselves and our other guests safe. I just added to my listing descriptions today that “All guests are required to have a Profile Photo uploaded to AirBnb prior to making a reservation.” But for the safety of all, that should be a standard AirBnb requirement. No, it will not guarantee that the person who shows up will be a perfect guest but it will give hosts the ability to better discern who they are opening their doors to and inviting into their homes.
