Why has air bnb started directing my guests to pay within 24 hours or decline their booking

[Penny48]

Recently, I have had guests request bookings, I have accepted their booking but if they do not pay within 24hrs Air bnb declines their booking. To my knowledge I have not adjusted my settings. This has meant I have lost some bookings as not everyone lives on their computer 24/7.... Can anyone explain why this has started happening. I thought people paid closer to the stay date... Also, does anyone know how I can contact Air bnb direct. It seems to be alot of FAQs but no direct email or contact no. Thanks. 

[Dave-and-Deb0]

Hi @Penny48

For all reservations that are 27 nights or less, your payment method is charged for the total cost of the reservation once the reservation becomes a confirmed booking.  This payment is not released to the host until 24 hours after you check in to make sure everything goes smoothly.  You will need to pay the entire amount using only one payment method and you cannot currently split payment methods.

For all reservations that are 28 nights and over, these are considered long term reservations.  Long term reservations, you’ll be charged a first month down payment when the reservation is confirmed and then the rest of the nights will be charged on a monthly basis.  You can find this information in the following links:

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/92

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/884

If you make a reservation with a host who asks for a security deposit, you won’t be charged on the deposit unless a host makes a successful claim against the deposit after your trip.

I hope this explains how payment works on Airbnb.