my first cancellation and now the day is blocked??

[Ellen372]

I cancelled a reservation within about 10 min for a good reason and now that date is blocked. And I'd like to have it repealed. Here's why:

- First, I am a brand-new host - this would have been my third reservation. I'm new to this, and I'm still getting familiar with the dashboard, the guest options etc.

-The reason for cancelling:  we indicated that pets are allowed - only dogs, and we have in additional rules that no dogs should be on the furniture. We have some pricey leather chairs. Anyway, the reservation system is set up for automatic bookings, and the guest said she was travelling with two German shepherds. It never crossed our minds that someone would have two dogs. And big dogs, too. And we felt uncomfortable with that.

- We cancelled the booking in a very nice way, indicating to the guest that we were new at this and hadn't seen an option for "dogs allowed upon approval" - which we have since clarified in the additional guest requirements. And we did it quickly as indicated, within 10-15 min.

- Now that cancelled date is not available on my calendar. And it's a critical weekend in July. And we want it back.

What are my options?

[Linda108 · Accepted solution]

@Ellen372   While all your reasoning and actions make perfect sense to a human mind, it is not taken into account by the automated system.  You have made a newbie mistake and have cancelled a guest reservation.  Two things: 1.  never cancel a guest reservation on your own - contact Air BNB.  2. if you have Instant Book turned on, turn it off.  Establish communication with potential guests so you can allow yourself to become more familiar with who wants to stay at your place.

To you question.  Contact Air BNB and explain the situation.  Only a person working at Air BNB can reverse the automated system.  Here is a guide for contacting Air BNB.  Use the phone method and be prepared to wait on the line if you call during peak call volume hours.

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help/Contact-Airbnb-A-Community-Help-Guide/m-p/16165#M728

[Ellen372]

Oh my gosh, thanks so much for the advice. The thing about Instant Book is that it seems like they really push you towards it - I at first didn't want the instant book but after five pages of "are you sure you dont' want it? look at all the stuff you're giving up" I agreed to it. I'm on the phone with them now trying to settle the issue. Thanks again!

[Gordon0]

I'm afraid to say you're on a sticky wicket there, @Ellen372, because these guests have booked as per your 'rules' and yet you've biffed them (albeit nicely). Cancellations are the devil's work for Airbnb (and for most guests too) so the punishment is severe; financial and rating-wise (you won't get superhost this year if you can't change the outcome).

If you don't want dogs, don't accept them.

Good luck in your campaign! 

[Ellen372]

You're right. It's not that I don't want dogs - I don't want anything other than one small to medium sized dog. I didn't realize when creating the listing that I had to be so specific.