Host Requesting Email reservation

[Kayleigh62]

Hello, 

Just looking for some handy advise! I've seen an Airbnb I like but the host has requested to email them separately to enquire about reservation instead of through the app. They've asked in order to secure the booking to send over ID, passport which isn't standard as part of using the Airbnb app - is this suspicious??

[Margaret1088]

Yikes! Sounds suspicious to me -and I’m one of those who usually give someone the benefit of doubt. Trust your gut!!

[Breanna]

It always pays to ask if you're unsure @Kayleigh62. Perhaps I can ask some more of our Community's experienced Hosts to give their opinion on this one. 

@Mike-And-Jane0 @Joan2709 @Kia272 if you had to collect a guest's ID information, would it be done via email or in the Airbnb chat? 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Kayleigh62 It depends on where the property is. In many parts of Europe hosts need this info to report to the authorities. In other places (such as some states in the USA) hosts want to do their own identity checks to make sure they know who is staying in their listing. Whilst passports are important mine have been sent many times to hotels, embassies etc without issue. On balance, provided the host has good reviews, I would send it BUT if there is any suggestion to pay off-platform then run a mile.

Let us know how it goes.