Cancellation Policy and Guests Booking Multiple Options

[James165]

Hi,

Just saw the e-mail about removing the strict policy. I know many guests will do multiple bookings for the same week for safety, then cancel the ones they choose not to keep at the last minute. By continuing to reduce the amount of time a host has recourse, Airbnb is just encouraging that behavior. We use the strict policy, but our practice is always to refund guests IF we can get another booking. But 28 days out often is too late to do that. I don't mind eating a lost rental if someone has something unavoidable come up, but when they are booking my house as a "backup" option, then canceling close to the rental, that hurts. I have a single property - seems Airbnb is moving more toward policies that help larger outfits. Thankfully, my bookings off Airbnb are on the increase as each change makes it less helpful for single property hosts.

James

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@James165 I share your concerns BUT if guests behave as you suggest then they will lose the Airbnb fee element as this is not refunded if they have overlapping bookings. I absolutely agree though that as the date of a trip comes close they will search for alternatives and then cancel and book said alternative if it is better.