Host booking invitation protocol

[Tricia3755]

I was messaging the host and she accepted my inquiry about my pet. She then invited me to book her property, which my family was SUPER excited about. The email said my invite would expire at 9pm the following day, so naturally I assumed I had time to commit and pay. When I went back to book the dates I was invited to book, they were gone as was the rest of the entire summer season. The host response was. Yes, it booked quickly. I was a lot earlier than 9pm. My children and I are heartbroken and due to other commitments, this was the only time we are able to make a summer getaway. 

Summer vacation is a bust

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Tricia3755 sadly this is just how Airbnb (and many other STR sites) works. Dates are available to all until someone books. Hosts can reserve dates for a potential guest but most do not as many guests make multiple enquiries and obviously only follow through with a maximum of one.