Calendar

[Karen3897]

We are having trouble keeping the calendar dates blocked.  We have the place rented and have blocked all the dates, but randomly days become available on the calendar in our ad.  Multiple times now we have had a guest book a stay and get notified via email.  We then have to explain to them that we are having issues with the calendar and we can't host them.  Several times they are upset and to make matters worse they have to cancel the stay.  Are we doing something wrong?   I have pictures of the calendar for all months being blocked.  What are we doing wrong?  Or is it a problem with AIRbnb?  Anyone else having this issue?

[Breanna]

Welcome to the Community Center @Karen3897!

Sorry to hear the calendar doesn't seem to be working as it should. Perhaps we can ask some Hosts who may have come across this before.

@Patricia2526 @Helen744  any ideas on why this might happen?

[Patricia2526 · Accepted solution]

Hello @Karen3897  

Try to check your “Availability Settings”

✅ Go to the Host section and select 'Listings'.
✅ Choose the listing with the blocked dates.

✅ Click on 'Availability' in the menu.
✅ Check the following settings that may have caused the blocked dates:

If the unexpected blocked dates persist after following the steps above, it's time to contact Airbnb support for assistance. Their team can help you identify the cause and guide you in resolving the issue.

[Helen744]

@Karen3897 Karen it would be helpful to know how far out you have blocked . If it is three months then the days will become available ,as the time available between the blocked dates and three months lessens. This often catches hosts out who can then find the Christmas break available for the early birds at very reduced rates. So be aware that can and does automatically happen ... H

[Dave1469]

We had exactly the same issue. We called and messaged the support team so many times and no one could offer an explanation. When Airbnb's technical team reviewed our case they provided feedback saying that they checked the system and it was us who was editing the dates (which wasn't true).

Finally found out the reason today, and feeling such a relief:

 Go to the Host section and select 'Listings'.

 Choose the listing with the blocked dates.

 Click on 'Availability' in the menu.

By default the 'availability window' setting is set to 3 months in advance. This means that once a date becomes less than 3 months away, the calendar will make it available for booking. If you change this to "dates unavailable by default" then you solve the problem. 

For example, "If a Host has an availability window of 6 months and today is 6 April, the calendar will open the date of 3 October."

Such a relief to finally have this sorted. I'm sure there must be a lot of other people who have had the same issue as none of the advisors we spoke to could explain why calendar dates would become available like this. 

[Joan2709]

Hi @Karen3897 

It's difficult to analyze the problem, but I think @Dave1469 probably has provided the answer. He mentioned to change your Calendar to "Unavailable by Default" as this blocks all dates on the calendar until you manually open them.

All the other Calendar Availability settings are "rolling" calendars. This means as each day passes, a date will open on your calendar automatically according to the Availability you set. For instance, if you have it set at 3months and today is 5/29, then 3months from now a date will open (8/29) automatically (I believe there is a day or two delay). The only way to prevent dates from automatically opening is to set your calendar to Unavailable by Default as @Dave1469 mentions.

Many Hosts use Unavailable by Default in order to properly price their listing before dates open up. This ensures that dates are properly priced before being available. Be sure you understand your other Availability settings that may also affect the calendar like Prep dates before or after a reservation.