Lack of host response to pending bookings.

[Mary6609]

I find myself feeling frustrated with my first Airbnb booking.  I am travelling to a family funeral from Scotland to Devon which is a 560 mile trip.

As its holiday season, properties and hotels etc, are limited.
I found a property near my family which suited our needs.
There was no response from the property’s host in the time period quoted.
I did not realise that the host who advertised their property as available would just ignore potential bookings, if thy had declined it that would have a least been something.  The property is still showing as available. 
Is in not common courtesy to respond to bookings either way?