Well, I just had my first "unconventional" hosting experience.
A gentleman with quite a few reviews (which tells me he's a frequent AirBNBer, unlike most of my guests so far) made a reservation a week ago.
He confirmed with me this morning that he would be arriving at 3 pm, which he did. He texted me directly on my phone at 3:10 to let me know he'd checked in. I replied with a simple welcome to my space message to acknowledge. His next text message to me was to tell me he might want to invite his daughter and a friend to come stay with him. Again, outside of AirBNB messaging services. I responded to him through AirBNB's messenger, quoting his original message, and responded that because the other two were not listed as guests, this would be a liability to me and I couldn't allow it. He then replied through AirBNB that he "forgot" to update the number of guests to 3. He had this reservation for a week and forgot until 10 minutes after he arrived. He didn't even remember to tell me this morning when he contacted me. Uh huh. So I send him the link for the guest to alter the reservation. He tells me that when he hears back from the other guests IF they are coming, he will update the reservation. Of course, once a guest checks in, I as a host cannot adjust the reservation.
I was concerned about the changing stories, and I didn't want to wait around waiting to see if I had to set up for 2 additional people. (My listing specifically states I need advance notice for more than 2) so I contacted AirBNB on Twitter. They tell me to allow the additional guests if possible. I said he is keeping me in limbo and cannot confirm the guests. They asked if I wanted them to intervene and I said yes. I need a confirmation by 9 pm today.
They contact him and he informs AirBNB that the additional guests won't be arriving until tomorrow. So naturally, AirBNB only charges him for 2 days of additional guests instead of 3, even though if he had done it through AirBNB to begin with, he would have had to pay for 3 additional days at $30 each instead of 2. I had the additional hassle of getting the place ready for 2 more on VERY short notice, and I lose out on the funds for the 3rd day. *sigh*