When to cancel on a guest?

[Bethany5]

I have messaged my guest 3 times now about what time they want to check-in, but they have not responded to any. I also texted the number listed for them but the number responded and said it was the wrong number. They are supposed to arrive 7 days. Should I give them a couple for days to respond?

[Andrew90]

Never Cancel!!!! Contact Airbnb and have them get engaged and discuss options if they don't respond. What are your cancellation terms?

Andrew

[Luann0]

Hi Bethany:  I wouldn't cancel.  I've been booking my cottage for about 2 years.  There are some guests that book while traveling from one place to another.  If they are from out of the country,  it can take time for them to check their messages and respond.  

I list a required check in time by 10pm and never question my guests.  Guests do contact me if they have a late flight and request a variance.  

Hope this helps.  Luann

[Victoria57]

The majority of our guests never contact or message us before they check in. We have a checkin time range from 4pm to 11pm and so have to be available throughout that time. You just get used to it and meet & greet them when they do turn up.

@Bethany5, you have no justification for cancelling and will be penalised by Airbnb if you do. You've presumably specified the checkin time range in your listing so you have to stick to that.

[Linda108]

Hi Bethany,  As previously noted, do not cancel.  If the guest does not show up, you will still be paid according to your cancellation policy.  Your cancelling will not open the dates.  You still have a week.  If the guest is no show, contact Air BNB.  If you don't know how to do that, enter contact in the search function on this CC and you will find a guide.

I saw that you have an automated cancellation review.  This will spook potential guests.  You might want to explain the circumstances of the previous cancellation if the window of response is still open.  Good luck.  Your place looks like a great value for the Washington DC guest.

[Karen-and-Brian0]

@Bethany5 Quite often guests are on their trip, with your place being just one of the places they will be staying, and they can easily be out of contact, no internet access etc. They will contact you because they likely need to get information from you as to your check-in proceedure/keys etc. If they end up as no-shows, you will be paid according to your cancellation policy, so nothing to worry about.

But if you cancel, you'll be penalized ($50-100), and those dates will be blocked so no one else will be able to book them - please don't do it.

[Sandra126]

When to cancel on a guest:

In disasters only. Flood/war etc.