No last minute bookings due to mandatory background check?

[Nathan329]

So I have a last minute need to travel today. I tried to book an AirBnB for tonight, and the site says I need a background check, however that check won't be finished by tonight. So it's a catch 22 where I can't actually book.

I tried using "Contact Us" and was told by an agent that this is normal for any user. That last minute bookings are not possible, for anyone, on AirBnB due to this required background check that users must go through that takes this long.

I have no criminal record of any kind, have been a user for 5 years, fully verified account, nothing but positive reviews. Is this really AirBnB policy that last minute bookings require a background check that eliminates the option of creating last minute bookings?

[Alice595]

@Nathan329  That is weird. Airbnb does things backwards. The background should have been done prior to any bookings for a new account.

I don’t think that they even check the background for all new accounts. Now they ask for background check for longtime existing customers. 

I saw saw that you have five all positive reviews. And you do have your government ID in your profile. I don’t understand why Airbnb ask you for background check. Have you tried to book instantly from host who has that turned on?