Last minute booking payment complications

[Deidra1]

I have a guest who is evacuating from hurricane Irma.  She should arrive today.  The site is telling her that it will take 2-3  business days to verify her method of payment.  We're kind of stuck here.  I've emailed Airbnb, but don't know when I can expect to hear back from them.  Can anyone on here offer some advice?

[Paul154]

For fastest service, twitter Airbnb.

Do not let guest in without a confirmation from Airbnb.

[Lori83]

I would caution you against allowing her to stay until the booking / payment is verified.  It is unfortunate that she is forced to evacuate, however, as a business you will want to be sure you are paid and protected. 

[Michelle13]

Did she only book today and her account is brand new? If not then it could be a scammer taking advantage of the timing. Airbnb hosts provide a lot of discounts for refugees and storm  vicitims.

If you want to be a business owner about it just say you have to wait for payment. If youre able to though maybe just take the risk and help someone out. Of course, tell her you'll need her ID copy and sign a little note saying the length of stay. 

[Regina38]

call Airbnb immediately. They should be able to expedite payment or let you know payment will not go through then you can decide what you want to do. One of my first guests checked in (I now realize he was evicted from his apartment with nowhere to go) payment went through. He said he might want to extend. He extended the morning he was supposed to check out. The next day email came from Airbnb stating payment did not go through. another day went by. I called Airbnb and they said to tell him to call them so they could get payment. He would not call so Airbnb told me to tell him he had to vacate or the police would b brought in. He moved out that day. Left place a bit messy but not bad. One weird think he took Kitchen ceiling light globe down and the light bulbs were missing. The globe was on the kitchen counter. I had to have Mark put it back up. Airbnb gave me the money he owed. Lesson learned do not let people extend at last minute. 

Their credit card may have a block because they are traveling and/or because of the impending storm.