Pre-approvals not resulting in bookings

[Elema14]

Hi. Firstly, I've had quite a number of potential guests requesting pre-approval to book, despite selecting automatic booking in my settings. Why can't guests book automatically? Is there something I'm missing?

Secondly, once I give approval, none of them have ever responded or booked the place despite showing great interest. Is there something in the system causing them not to see my approval or allowing them to go ahead and  book?

Mystified!

[Joelle43]

Hello @Elema14 

This is not uncommon Elema and I'd be interested to hear if you are getting these enquiries from guests that are new to Airbnb and have no reviews? 

Often, hosts receive enquiries rather than a trip request because guests want you to go off platform, ask for a video, want a discount etc which is why they wouldn't use the Trip request button because if you accept their trip request, their credit card gets deducted.  Not the case with a simple enquiry.

 You have activated the Instant Booking option for your listing but if it's a new guest profile then they may not be allowed to book as they need to have at least one booking under their belt with no bad review.  

There are scammers out there and they often start with complimenting your listing and showing interest for a long stay as well so very tempting but always best to communicate fully with this person before using that pre-approval button as you are in effect saying you want them to book.  So keep the conversation going until you are 100% sure you want them staying.  Cancelling a reservation is the worst sin and a loose/loose situation for a host.

[Elema14]

Thank you Joelle for your response- It is helpful!🙏

[Elegant-Homes-Retreat0]

Hi @Elema14, @Elisa @Joelle43 

I’ve brought this up a few times earlier as well — you're definitely not the only one facing this. Even with Instant Book turned on, some guests (especially new users without reviews) still go through the pre-approval route, and many don’t complete the booking afterward.

It can be confusing, but it often comes down to guest verification levels or hesitation. Hopefully, Airbnb will streamline this process better in the future.

Thanks for raising it again — it's good for the community to keep discussing these things!

[Elema14]

Hello! Its good to know am not the only one experiencing this and the solution is on the platform. Thank you for taking the time to respond!

[Emilie]

Hi @Elema14, 

It's lovely to see that our community's answers have already helped you! Are you feeling better equipped to manage future pre-approvals & bookings now?

If one of those comments was especially helpful, feel free to mark it as Top Answer -it is a nice way to say thanks, and to help other hosts navigating the forum spot useful tips. 🙂

Have a lovely day, 

Emilie