how to decide who stays?

[Ásta-Sól0]

Hi, I want to be able to decide who stays instead of using instant book. When I select booking, this is what comes up and I can't change anything, no matter what I do. It wasn't this complicated a few years ago (settings are in so many ways much harder to change than 2-4 years ago). Help please!

What’s new with Instant Book

Decide who stays. Any guest, or only recommended guests. (CAN'T SELECT!)

Cancel penalty-free if you’re uncomfortable.

Set min and max nights, gap days, and advance notice.

Never get double booked. Calendar sync is fine-tuned.

[Clare0]

Hi @Ásta-Sól0, I don't use IB since I want to vet guests before accepting a reservation for my entire home.  That said, you need to see what other hosts in your area are doing.  I've seen listings in cities where everyone uses IB...almost like if they don't have it they will lose out. 

I think the jury is still out on IB.  Three penalty free cancellations per year? I know a very experienced host in Australia who is trying to figure out exactly what those circumstances are. 

On the other hand, hosts who have rooms to rent as opposed to entire homes really like IB.

If you are not comfortable with it, turn it off. 

[Ásta-Sól0]

Thanks Clare! That's the problem, I don't know how to turn it off! 😉 That's what I need help with ASAP.

Best,

Asta Sol

[Clare0]

Since I don't use IB, can't tell you how to turn it off.  If it's urgent, contact Airbnb...I suggest @Airbnb on twitter or look at previous itineraries for the Airbnb contact phone numbers. 

[Lizzie]

Have any other hosts had experience of this or with IB and might be able help with this? 

[Ed-and-Hugh0]

Did you click on the "Change" link near the top of the Booking page? It's a text link, not a button or menu. It should let you turn on/off instant book.

[Deborah0]

To turn off Instant book, I believe you go to your "manage listings" page, which you find by clicking on your photo or the hosting icon at the top right of the Airbnb website.  Then you will see your listing(s) shown there, and on the right side of each, on the right side of the page, you will see a symbol that looks like a lightning flash.  When you click on that, it should offer you a choice to have instant book on or off.