AIRBNB RUINED Birthday Suprise

[Hobie3]

I had to create a new account because my email had recently changed. That said, I found a cute little get away for my wife's birthday and had it all set up. Upon checking my account, I could no longer find my trip. I went through and even lost all the messages with the Host. I finally went through the links I was sent through the Host and was finally able to locate that AIRBNB CANCELLED the stay WITHOUT EVEN NOTIFTYING ME via email, phone, or text! Thank goodness I doubled checked or else we would have shown up to this place and NOT have our reservation. SO, I had to then use my wife's account to RE-BOOK the same place and I had to ruin the Suprise get away. This is what happens when you put too much legal tape over everything because I was not "officially verified" which was only a recommendation and NOT a requirement. All my other information was verified except my picture.... Why the he** would I spend $200.00 and pre-pay for it if it WAS NOT ME??? I then tried to call customer service, and their phones are down. What kind of company cancel's your stay two days before you are supposed to check in and then have the balls to NOT EVEN LET YOU KNOW???? - If ANYONE has ANY contact where I can speak to an Airbnb representative or corporate I would sincerely appreciate it. THIS IS NOT GOOD BUSNIESS, and I can book through VRBO just as easily. 

[Joan2709]

@Hobie3 

So sorry this happened....

I don't believe you need to create a new account if you just want to change your email address. You can go to your account and just update the email. Were you not able to do that?

Change Your Email Address

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/362

There are several different ways to login to your account besides using an email address. You can use a phone number, Google, Apple or even facebook.

That said, Airbnb does need to verify the identity of any guest or host on the platform. This is a requirement, not a recommendation. Airbnb recommends you complete your public profile information that is visible to the Host, but that is optional. Sometimes Airbnb asks for for a photo ID during this process. Any pending booking will not be confirmed unless you complete the ID verification process, which may include a photo ID requirement. Hosts also have the option to require a profile photo from anyone wanting to book a stay:

Verifying Your Identity on Airbnb

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1237

"...As a guest, you’ll need to verify your identity when you book a stay or when you book an experience where the host has required verification. Most users only need to do this once, and we’ll guide you through any steps you’ll need to take. This typically happens during checkout—where we provide you with a specific deadline to finish. During this time, your reservation is pending, and others can’t book your dates. We’ll also send you notifications—like emails, SMS, and push reminders depending on your preferences—to help you finish before the deadline. If you don't complete the process in this timeline, your reservation won’t be confirmed..."

You can also reach out to the Host and explain the problem and see if they will hold the dates for you while you work out the ID issues. Most will gladly do that.