Disappointed

[Nenad75]

A very bad experience and service!

I contacted the apartment provider, who told me the apartment was available during the desired time frame. I also received an email from Airbnb stating that the apartment was reserved in my name until the following day, but then I discovered that someone else had already booked that apartment.

Unacceptable—I’m speechles

s! 

[Emiel1]

@Nenad75 

You probably submiited an inquiry, not a booking request.

When the inquiry is confirmed, you have the OPTION to book the appartment within 24 hours, but in the mean time somebody else also can book it. First come, first served.

[Nenad75]

I have received email from Airbnb for Pre-approval for booking the apartment, so that's not only inquiry. How can someone in meantime  make a reservation ? 

[Lorna170]

@Nenad75 A pre-approval is not a confirmed reservation.  It just means that the host has accepted you as a potential guest.  You still have to actually book and provide payment information.  

[Nenad75]

So what's the point of pre-approval, and why do I get a message from Airbnb saying I have 24 hours to decide whether to book? If that's the case, this option doesn't make any sense.

[Emilie]

Hi @Nenad75, 

I'm sorry to hear you ran into some difficulties with your recent booking!

In addition to Emiel's insights, you might find the following articles useful:

• Booking a trip: what to do if you’re new 
• How to book a home: Instant Book and reservation requests
• How long a host has to respond to your enquiry

Were you able to find another suitable listing?

Thanks, 

Emilie

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Nenad75 

Hosts can send pre-approvals to multiple guests who submit inquiries. However, if two or more guests are interested in the same dates, the booking will go to the guest who completes the reservation first. A pre-approval does not reserve the dates or hold them for a specific guest. Until a booking is confirmed, the calendar remains open, so it’s essentially first come, first served. If you’re very interested in the property, it’s best to book as soon as you’re ready to avoid missing out on your preferred dates.