Superhost Travel Coupons - Only for International Travel?

[Ram15]

Hi,

I received this travel coupon for being a Superhost. 

I tried using the coupon yesterday but it did not work. Since it is yet to expire, I wrote to Airbnb Support. They say that travel coupons cannot be used for domestic travel and can only be used for international travel.

1. I again read the Superhost programme and it nowhere says that the coupons have limitations. 
2. If it actually cannot be used domestically, why even issue it? Or when issuing it, why not explain it cannot be used domestically.
3. Is it the same for Superhosts in other countries. I am from India.

Best, Ram

[Susan151]

@Ram15  I have used my coupons in my home country. Last one I used in May for a stay in New York City which is just 4.5 hours south of my home. I have never heard of this limitation. Is there any chance that this is an Indian government law?

[Emilia42]

@Ram15 I have used mine locally as well. I don't know where customer supports gets these 'answers' sometimes!

[Ram15]

@Emilia42 - Ha ha. Thanks. Yes. Sometimes their answers are so random.

@Susan151 There is no such law. I have written back to Customer Support asking me to show documentation that I cannot use it domestically. I mean, it beats the purpose of rewarding a Superhost with coupons which only work in certain regions.

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Ram15 

I also used my coupon in my own country 9 months ago.

Click on your profile picture/account/ payment methods... scroll down to "your coupons" / copy and paste your coupon code and click on "Add coupon" button. When you've done it, you can now proceed to book accommodation and at one point you will be asked if you want to use your coupon and you confirm.

PS

it can be used only once so if your host cancels the reservation or doesn't accept your booking request you will lose your coupon. The smart thing would be to contact the host before booking just to make sure your booking will be accepted.

[Ram15]

Thanks @Branka-and-Silvia0 The coupon is active and the Customer Support over email was not much helpful. So I called them over phone and they too are quite vague as to why it does not work.

They are just saying it cannot be used domestically in India but unable to provide any documentation which says so.

1. If it cannot be used in India, why issue it to Superhosts in India. 🙂 And why not have fine print somewhere.

2. I think Customer Support has no idea and they do not know how to rectify it because someone has to inform the Product Management team etc, so they are just trying to push it under the carpet.

3. Someone on Twitter mentioned that coupons are illegal in India which is so funny as we constantly use discount vouchers everywhere.

I hope this issue can be resolved so that Superhosts in India are not shortchanged.

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Ram15 

close the ticket with your current CS rep and than open another case to get another CS rep who will be able to sort it out.

Coupons are valid 1 year only, when did you earn it?

[Ram15]

Sorry for the delayed reply. Now it is an accepted theory that travel coupons do not work for domestic bookings at least in INDIA though there are no valid reasons given by Airbnb. Just opaque responses as if they are behind an iron curtain. This thread sums it up. 

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help/Travel-Credit-shown-but-not-applied/td-p/296275

[Sabita1]

I am a Superhost in India and apparently due to banking restrictions these coupons cannot be redeemed.. since I have already availed of the professional photoshoot there are no other options available. Airbnb should definitely have alternatives for a country as large as India ! 

Send in your comments through the Feedback option for starters and hope that someone represents the Indian market.