Hi, I've been an AirBnB host off and on for about ten years -- renting my primary residence when I took long travels. I haven't hosted in a couple of years because I now live in a condo that doesn't allow STRs. I've also used AirBnb as a traveler for the same length of time.
Last week I was browsing listings for a long-term summer stay. I saw one I liked, but it had no exterior photos. From experience I've learned that surprises aren't good in lodging and I no longer will stay at a property that doesn't have good street and rear photos. I messaged the host and politely asked if she would mind sharing/posting exterior photos. "Yes, I do mind," was the reply. Nothing more. I ignored the snark and wrote back calmly explaining why I would like to see the exterior photos. She accused me of being a scammer. It escalated, and I told her she was a real btch and to get lost.
She complained, and AirBnb deactivated my account, apparently because I had used a gender-related slur and women are a "protected class." So it seems if I had called her any other choice terms that didn't relate to protected classes there wouldn't have been a problem. There was no due process here. It was a kangaroo court, star chamber, 20-something DEI hires out of control, whatever. I was told I could appeal through prompts on my AirBnb webpage, but there were no prompts.
I'm unable to contact customer support. This is the only place I've found to appeal this insanity. I'd like to keep using AirBnb because it has the largest selection of listings.
Thanks for your attention.
