This holiday thing is ridiculous

[Leigh780]

we travel on Airbnb often I think we had like 40 rentals this year. We have nothing but positive reviews and yet we are unable to book any kind of property around any holiday dates? It’s very frustrating considering we have family on the other coast and often travel over there for significant events with our history, our ages and our reviews how does Airbnb continue to prevent us from booking with them and also don’t you guys like money?

[Shelley159]

Hi @Leigh780 

Can you explain what you mean that you are unable to book?

If hosts are taking long to respond, or not accepting your booking requests for some reason, turn on the Instant Book filter. Any booking you make will be instantly confirmed.

[Leigh780]

when we go to complete the reservation (mostly booked last minute and 2-3 nights) it goes through credit card approval and then we get a automated error message stating that this is a high risk for parties. It used to be just on houses and they’d redirect us to book an apartment or condo but for our new years trip we couldn’t even do that. Had to go to VRBO. 

[Joan2709]

@Leigh780 

Usually profiles flagged as party risks by Airbnb have had an issue with a previous stay, or the booking fits their pre-determined profile as "party risk." The Host really has nothing to do with it. Did Airbnb ever explain to you why your attempts at booking were flagged as a party risk?"

[Leigh780]

yes we called. It was due to the holiday, it being booked for less than a week and being booked last minute. Maybe it’s a Miami thing? Or maybe because we live in florida and rent in florida? Idk but it happens…every…single…holiday. It’s an airbnb thing bc we get declined on multiple properties so it’s not a host thing. 

[Joan2709]

@Leigh780 

Hosts don't know all the parameters of how Airbnb flags reservations as a possible party risk, but all those you mentioned are true to my knowledge:

- Holiday or Festival Event

- Last Minute Booking

- Usually 1 night stay or over a weekend

- Guest lives in the Area of Reservation

- Previous "party issue"

When you contacted Airbnb, what did they say you should do, as you obviously aren't a party risk with over 40 stays with good reviews and have been able to book before?

As @Sara-And-Rob0 mentions, it seems what is triggering the AI for you is last minute bookings over a holiday and you live in the area/state of the reserveration. In your case, If Airbnb doesn't offer any suggestions, then unfortunately you'll need to either book further out (not last minute) to avoid the flag, or use another platform as you did recently. Seems like Airbnb is shooting themselves (and Hosts) in the foot as you pointed out. This is where a human (not a bot or AI) needs to be the final decision maker IMHO. 

[Shelley159]

Hi @Leigh780 this is interesting, how many guests are you in the booking?

[Leigh780]

Two adults and one child. 

[Joan2709]

@Leigh780 

Are you saying Airbnb has blocked your attempts to book as they have said it is a party risk?

[Leigh780]

Yep. They did it to us on Halloween, thanksgiving, Christmas and now new years. Even with  three day stay they still calling it a risk. We are in our forties and you can see on my profile nothing but good reviews. So frustrating. It’s an automated message and they will not respond on it other than it’s a new policy to prevent parties. 

[Sara-And-Rob0]

As AI is allowed to take more control of the Airbnb booking system, we will see more problems like this.

I appreciate the intent of preventing parties but too bad the baby is getting thrown out with the bath water.

It definitely hurts Airbnb hosts who may go vacant instead of having a fantastic guest like you for premium dates.

Maybe if you find a nice place you like near your family, you can make multiple bookings in advance.

Good luck and Happy New Year!