leave days between bookings is broken

[Terence55]

We have "2 nights before and after each reservation" selected under "preparation time". That has always left us with an unbooked day between reservations to get things cleaned and prepped.

We just had 2 auto bookings happen with checkins on the same day as a checkouts. Not sure what changed in the code, but this now means we only have a few hours to get everything handled between guests, and we aren't set up for that.

I've reported it, and sure hope this gets fixed soon. In the mean time, I am blocking out my calendar.

[Terence55]

Yes, it was not showing the days around the reservation blocked. I am manually adding those now.

[Joan2709]

@Terence55 

Just a heads up...

Noticed another Host posted about errors with availability settings allowing bookings incorrectly:

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Support-with-your-bookings/Awful-customer-service-worst-I-ve-eve...

[Terence55]

I'm guessing a related bug in the system. I hope they figure it out soon.

[Joan2709]

@Terence55 

Yup...this will be a snowball effect if they don't fix this ASAP.

It is really an issue with Hosts that use Instant Book.

By turning OFF Instant Book, you should be able to add blocks manually for now.

It's in Airbnb's best interest to get this fixed sooner rather than later, as Hosts will be turning off Instant Book en masse if they don't.

@Rebecca @Bhumika  

[Shelley159]

Just a note that one can also keep instant book on and just check that your required prep dates are blocked when you 're notified of a booking. If they're not, it's quick to block those nights manually if required. I'll check whether mine works next time, so far I haven't had issues with prep dates not working.

[Joan2709]

@Shelley159 

Unfortunately, I don't think that will prevent another booking outside your settings during the brief time you are trying to manually block dates if you leave Instant Book on? 🤔

[Terence55]

Exactly. I am paying close attention as I know I'll have to manually block dates as soon as a booking comes through.

[Shelley159]

Yes I agree there's a small risk @Joan2709, but it's no more than the risk of using Instant Book and (for example) having a 3rd party calendar linked (which doesn't sync in real time).

So I'd say it wouldn't be any more risk than usual, but I think I already know what you will say: that's why you don't like using Instant Book at all in the first place, right? 😀

[Joan2709]

@Shelley159 

You know me so well! 🤣

Another big reason not to use instant book right now is Airbnb is not removing retaliatory reviews. Since they consider a 4.0 rating as “good” and will allow a booking even with “good track record” optional setting with a 4.0 guest rating…Instant Book is even more risky.

[Terence55]

I just had to turn off instant book as they allowed a one night booking even though we have a two nIght minimum.

 

[Joan2709]

@Terence55 

Yes...it is advisable to turn off Instant Book. 

I would keep all your screen shots and send them again to Airbnb regarding the issue. Other Hosts having the same problem.

[Joan2709]

@Terence55 

What is strange is I just looked at your listing as a guest and its says you have a 2-day minimum? How in the world did a guest book one night  - it sounds like you left instant book on? That is probably how they were able to book one night. I'm guessing there is something going on with Instant Book and the other availability settings not working?

[Terence55]

It happened before I turned instant book off. 

[Shelley159]

@Joan2709 it may also be a bit easier now to accidentally adjust a minimum stay for a particular night and not realise it?

Before, one couldn't accidentally have created a custom trip length (it required multiple steps), but that feature has been removed and each date is now clickable with its own minimum stay.

I can't know whether that could've happened here, but just thinking it may be a possible reason for some trip length mysteries.

[Joan2709]

@Shelley159 

Yes...that is possible. You can override the default calendar settings by accident. However, the other issues with Prep Days and Advance Notice leads me to believe there is more to this.