@Lisha141
I agree. I just wish there was a way to communicate constructive suggestions to Airbnb. We all know that they categorically ignore anything sent to that fake "feedback" link. Your point is important and real.
Some of those guests tell me -- understandably -- that they see Airbnb constantly changing their policy about this. So, they want to wait to see if it gets changed in their favor -- and that often does happen!
For example (and we're talking only about people who booked before March 14, 2020):
At first, Airbnb offered full refunds, no questions asked, to anyone with check-in dates through May 30, 2020. Then, just a few weeks later, they extended it to apply to checkin dates through June. Then, later through July -- and on and on. Honestly, we don't know when they change it because they fail to communicate even one word about it to hosts (or guests). As of yesterday, this policy extended to people with a checkin date as late as Sept. 15th. So, because I keep checking (and that takes a lot of time and missed opportunities) I was able to send a heads up to guest whose checkin date was Sept 14. I already knew they planned to cancel but were waiting to see if Airbnb would extend the date. Even then, it took a lot of gentle prodding for me to get them to go ahead and cancel so the dates would free up on our calendar. That is only one of many, really many, of our reservations with a similar story.
So, now my guest from Europe with a reservation checkin date of Sept 16, who obviously cannot come to NYC due to Covid, won't cancel yet because they have good reason to believe that Airbnb will probably (maybe?) extend the date when it gets close -- too close IMO. I know they aren't going to come, but they have good incentive to wait until kind of the last minute.
Look, every scientist on the planet (excepting only conspiracy wackos) says we won't have a vaccine for a very long time. Why not go ahead and extend the policy (hello Airbnb -- anyone listening?) -- just extend it now to cover anything through say March 2021 -- assuming they booked before March 14, 2020. Stop the torture. Please. Let everyone know where we stand. BUT -- AIrbnb should please send an automated message to very outstanding reservation that was booked pre-covid and offer that full refund ONLY if they cancel NOW. Don't give them permission to torture the hosts with endless discussions. Say, give them 2 weeks, or even 30 days (no more -- please) to figure things out and cancel if they want. If they choose not to take that opportunity, make it clear that the host's cancellation policy will apply and that Covid travel advisories are not covered under Airbnb's extenuating circumstances policy. Just come out and say it -- in a direct message to each and every guest who this applies to.
We used to have lots of bookings like 6 months to a full year or more in advance! So, this category applies to many reservations for us -- it's like a never ending nightmare.