Is guest who cancels allowed to book with another host for same dates?

[Kathleane0]

I'm wondering about this, because of price adjustments that occur as it gets closer to the booking date - if a guest who booked without a discount at one place, is allowed to cancel and rebook at another place for the same dates.

[Marie8425]

@Kathleane0 

Nothing can prevent a Airbnb Guest from changing their mind concerning what they want to spend their money on.  The Airbnb Host chooses a cancellation policy for each listing to protect themselves from potential abuse,

[Kathleane0]

I did discover something interesting though. I had to decide whether or not I would grant the cancelling guests request for a full refund since she was cancelling "within 24 hours" citing a family emergency, so I called ABnB support. I didn't think they would tell me, but they did! I asked if this guest had booked with another host for the same time period and they told me that they had not. So yes, a guest can cancel and rebook for a cheaper option, however with the right cancellation policy in place and the cooperation of ABnB Customer Service we can decide if we'll refund their booking or not.

[Shelley159]

Hi @Kathleane0 

If you contact Airbnb before agreeing to the refund, the guest is possibly still waiting to confirm whether you'll refund before re-booking. So no other booking at that time, but it could change just after the refund.

[Kathleane0]

Good point @Shelley159 ! I hadn't thought of that. I did make a note in my contact list that this guest cancelled with 24-hrs notice and why. I suppose if I wanted to pursue it a little further I could check this guest's reviews to see if they receive a review during that same time period. I wouldn't obsess over this, but it would be nice to know in case they book another stay with me.

[Lorina14]

@Kathleane0 

I think this may often happen as guests may comparison shop for deals closer to the reservation. An appropriate cancellation policy, making notes and providing great hospitality would deter it but it is inevitable. It’s interesting that CS told you they did not rebook.

I’m not really interested in guests looking for the cheapest rate as it may likely lead to a more demanding high maintenance guest. I do value the reviews, amenities, location and rates when I am considering a booking but as a guest I’ve never rebooked a place after booking one before. I relax and am like yay, checked that task off my trip planning list.