Pending Reservation Request - Auto Blocked Dates

[Sumit11]

Hi All,

Thanks for taking out the time to read this.

So, this has now happened a few times where dates are being blocked on my calendar for 24 hours automatically even for "Reservaion Requests". Isn't this the case that the dates should only be blocked on the calendar if its a confirmed reservation? I am not aware if this a new policy that Airbnb may have introduced since I cannot find anything in the rules of Airbnb regarding this. I called up Support to request for the rules associated with this kind of dates being blocked and I was told that this is an Internal Thing and not mentioned on the website. Seems strange and extremely annoying. Has anyone else too faced this? 

Cheers

Sumit

[Emiel1]

@Sumit11,

A reservation request blocks the requested dates (so somebody else can not request same dates), unless you decline the request, let it expire or if the request is cancelled by the guest.

An inquiry does not block the dates, even if you pre-approve the inquiry. It's the way the Airbnb platform works and it is not a new policy. Guest who only want to ask a question should use on the listing option "contact the host" (= Inquiry) and not the booking form (= Request)

Hope this helps,

Emiel

[Sumit11]

Hi Emiel,

The way you've put it made me think and it makes sense. I guess it kinda gives opportunity to new guests to secure their dates. I am still unsure though if this was there all along . Because in the past (early 2018), I have had instances where "reservation requests" did not automatically block the dates. I may be mistaken. But the point being, I can't find anything in writing on this on the Airbnb website. 

The problem for me comes during peak seasons. For example, if you end up getting 5 reservation requests spaning 20 days, those 20 days are off the calender for 24 hours for guests that you may prefer to start with, like, guests that are elligible for your instant book. And I think you get hit with a penalty for your "Accepted reservations" percentage from Airbnb if you decline the request or let it expire. What a conundrum! 

Thanks for the reply.

Cheers

Sumit

[Cynthia282]

Air BnB is taking over our control of our calendar by Auto Blocking before we get a chance to even determine if we want to accept or decline.  I currently allow auto booking only with a photo, verified Government ID, a note requesting why they wish to stay at my home and that they agree they have read and accept my house rules.  I do this because I am a single woman living alone and I want to be safe.  Now, every request I receive blocks my calendar even though NONE of those requirements have been met.  I specifically want a Photo BEFORE I accept, not to discriminate but to see that the person is who they say they are.  Air BnB has allowed people to post their photo of a cat or dog (I even had one post a picture of a Peacock).  This doesn’t let me know who is booking, what their gender is, nothing..  I am trying to be safe!  Previously, I could message a person explaining that they need to take the time to read my profile and then update theirs, and then I will consider.  This needs to be changed.  I want SAFETY!  I don’t wish to be penalized and have my calendar blocked simply because I am taking the time to be logical.  

[Kenneth12]

I'll bump this thread and note that this is relatively frustrating.

I have a pending request made at 11:40p.  It's blocking anyone else from completing booking.    There are only 5 rooms available within 1 mile of us,  all $100-300.

This sort of thing costs me $3-5K/year.