Unblocking calendar dates after my first cancellation

[Audrey46]

I am new to Airbnb hosting and set up my profile according to Airbnb's suggestions, one of which was to allow instant booking to guests. I did not feel comfortable with the guest booking an entire month without any personal inquiry about the room and no reviews to judge whether or not this person would be a respectful guest, or better yet, if our safety would be a concern. Personally, I did not feel comfortable or safe letting this person book a stay and had to cancel. I immediately turned off instant booking and have had no issues with guests booking rooms since. This was my first cancellation, and I learned now that for my personal comfort and safety, I do not want to allow instant booking. However, now the entire month of September is blocked because of this incident, and I want to find out if I can be waived of this penalty or reduce the number of days that will be blocked. I have been a respectful, contributing member to the Airbnb community and will not take cancelling future reservations lightly. I appreciate any help regarding this matter.

Thank you,

Audrey Park

[Sandra126]

You can always ask them to change their minds, a month is a long time for them not to earn from you. But a host cancellation always results in a blocked calendar, a fine, no superhost for 12 months, lowered search ranking etc.

Ask! Plead! Beg! Throw yourself at their mercy! Mention that it is a month, you were new, you followed their advice (had you asked on this forum most of us would recommend against it).

All the best with it.

[Nannette0]

I was under the impression that a host who has IB was allowed three cancellations for the same reason.  That is the reason I don't offer discounts until I have lived with the guests for at least one or two weeks.

[Dave-and-Deb0]

@Nannette0,

This is only if you feel uncomfortable with a guest, not an error on the part of the host.

David

[Sandra68]

Personally I agree with you about the instant booking and safety etc. we have very little to go on as it is. I would suggest listing your room on another site for the time your dates are blocked with Airbnb