Third Party Guests

[Catherine1812]

I have a girl who booked my accommodation for her parents a month in advance.  I asked her to send me a copy of her parents drivers licences so that I could verify their identity when they arrive.   Someone told me third party bookings aren't allowed?   Can someone clarify?   I have already booked this one night for her parents ... how do i cancel ... should i cancel?  (im a new-ish host)

[Joan2709]

@Catherine1812 

Well...the shortest answer is -  it's up to you.

Technically, 3rd party bookings are not permitted by Airbnb:

Booking for Friends & Family

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/427

If you knowingly accept a 3rd party booking, the guest staying does not have their ID verified by Airbnb, you have no idea what their past history with staying at Airbnbs is (you are only seeing the daughter's reviews) and only the daughter can leave a review. You also may not have Aircover protection. If you contact Airbnb, they will also say it is up to you whether to accept or not, as they obviously want the service fee, but don't mention these other risks you will be taking.  Some Hosts don't really have an issue with 3rd party bookings, but some have posted they regretted when they did. 

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Community-cafe/3rd-party-booking-disaster/m-p/1561032#M32761

Some guests try a  3rd party booking because their friend or family member has been banned, or has negative reviews. Sometimes it is innocent enough, as elderly parents may have trouble navigating how to book on Airbnb. 

We don't accept 3rd party bookings and advise guests that it is against Airbnb policies in our after booking message. We also mention we don't accept 3rd party bookings in our Additional House Rules. We have asked guests to cancel bookings that were clearly 3rd party bookings and please re-book if they wish using the actual Airbnb profile of the person staying. Most guests understand and promptly do so. Some never re-book, as obviously the person actually staying had an issue with their profile and we wouldn't accept their booking anyway. 

In your case, it may be innocent enough, but you have no idea who the parents are, what their background is and if they have had previous issues booking/staying at an Airbnb. 

[Emilie]

Hi @Catherine1812, 

Have ou found out more from these guests since your post here?

Joan has shared some best practice on how to navigate this sort of situation, we'd love to know what you decide to do in the end. 🙂

Thanks, 

Emilie 

[Catherine1812]

Emilie, I have not received any more information ... I have given her till August 1st to send me copies of her parents drivers licences so at least I have a face to their names when they arrive.  I think i will just cancel the booking should she not adhere to my request.  I just hope i am not penalized for cancelling a guest by air bnb... don't want to lose my work towards super host.

[Helen3]

I wouldn't accept a third party booking @Catherine1812 

It would have been better to advise the person who booked to help her parents set up a profile to make a booking .

you could ask them now to set their parents up on Airbnb then they can be added to the booking or you ask Airbnb to cancel 

[Catherine1812]

I don't know how to get out of it now.

[Joan2709]

@Catherine1812 

Contact her and advise that you are now aware that Airbnb doesn't allow 3rd party bookings and she will have to cancel the stay and then she can help her parents create their own profile and re-book if they wish to. Provide the URL link to Airbnb's policy.

That said, the parents most likely have not previous reviews, but at least they have to verify their IDs with Airbnb.