Fees not disclosed in listing (but prior to booking)

[Dan20660]

I sent a request to book a place that listed itself as accommodating 4 guests. There are 4 of us - 2 adults and 2 kids. Before accepting, the host messaged me that there would be an additional per-night charge for each of of the kids because they were "additional guests." I know that trying to add POST-booking fees is not allowed (with limited exceptions), but what is AirBnb's policy about this? I feel kind of bait-and-switched...

[Sandra856 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Dan20660 🌿

When you request to book -you always have to enter the correct number of guests staying - and you will then see the price (did you do that?). You can find houses that can accommodate 12 people but you will only have to pay for 4 people if 4 is staying (it differs though - sometimes you pay for the whole house no matter how many people the place can accommodate). It is very common on Airbnb and similar platforms that the price tag changes after how many guests are staying. That way you don’t have to pay for linen, cleaning wear and tear etc. for 12 people if only 4 people will use the accommodation.

The important thing is that it should all be transparent and visible for you to read before you book. The host should not and are not allowed to ask for extra fees not shown on the listing. 
Best, Sandra 

[Dan20660]

Thanks. I entered the correct number of guests, and the host (before accepting my booking) said the price would be higher than listed due to the two "extra" guests.

[Alicia753]

Hi @Dan20660, if you selected the correct number of guests before sending a booking request, and your host informed you about the additional guest fee but it is not disclosed anywhere in their listing description, here's Airbnb's policy about this kind of situation. 

All Pricing Information Included in Booking: Airbnb states that all pricing information is included when you book a reservation. Additional charges may apply only in specific situations, such as when you change your reservation (for example, adding another guest) or if there's a claim for damage during your stay

Policy on Charging Extra Fees: Airbnb's policy dictates that hosts cannot collect any additional fees or charges outside the platform unless expressly authorized by Airbnb. The only exceptions are hotels and software-connected hosts, who can charge and collect certain fees using a separate payment method⁠—as long as these are detailed in the listing and included in the price breakdown before booking. Hosts can add a fee for each guest beyond the normal limit, but this fee must be clearly stated in the listing

Resolution Center for Disputes: If a host tries to charge you for something that violates Airbnb policies or wasn't stated in the listing, the price breakdown, or their message thread, you should dispute the charge in the Resolution Center. If you agree with the charge, it's important to always pay the host through the Resolution Center and never directly. You may also contact Airbnb support 

[Dan20660]

Thanks. To be clear, I entered the correct number of guests (4) and sent a request to book. The host did not accept, but instead told me that there would be an additional charge for the two "extra" guests beyond what was reflected in the listing.