Hi Riley,
Many thanks for your feedback and support in this, i.e. flagging it up to @Lizzie. I've sent my description of the issue to airbnb feedback a few times, but nothing seems to happen.
I find it unbelievable that airbnb does not address this, it would be so easy to reslove the issue with an obvious colour code system with explanatory symbols below the calendar alongside the minimum stay information, as I described in my initial post.
Good idea with posting the disclaimer. I post this mesage at the top of my listings and within the space description text:
➤ PLEASE NOTE: AIRBNB CALENDAR DOES NOT DISPLAY ALL AVAILABLE DAYS UNTIL A CHECK-IN DATE IS ENTERED/CLICKED!
Just in the last month I have had at least three guests (that I know of) search my listings online after confusion over conflicting available dates between airbnb and other online travel agents' calenders. Luckily they have taken the time and initiative to search and then contact me directly through our own websites or the other OTAs. In the end they have booked either through TripAdvisor, HomeAway or direct with me, so although airbnb lost itself new bookings due to the poor calendar design, luckily I didn't lose the business - this time. But these are just a few bookings, I hate to imagine how many people simply skip over my listings after looking at the calender and, mislead by the seemingly 'unavailable' dates, simply move on.
The 1st screen shot below is the July calendar for one of my listings. We can only accept weekly bookings checking in/out on Fridays in summer. One look at the calendar (before entering a check-in date) and anyone would think, with the dates crossed out and inactive, we are fully booked except for Fridays! This is especially misleading for new airbnb users.
2nd screen shot, I have entered a check-in date and now available dates are 'active' (although no mention of the seven night minimum stay!) but how many potetial guests would bother entering the check-in date if all the dates are inactive and crossed out. As you quite rightly say: 'So frustrating!'
Surely if we keep reporting this issue, and flagging it up here and via feedback at some point airbnb will listen, take note that they are losing bookings and finally redesign the calender making it more logical and less misleading.
Should I hear any feedback from airbnb I will post here immediately.
Best regards,
Ian
Screen Shot 1 - No Check-In date entered.Screen Shot 2 - Check-In date entered.