Airbnb - an issue worth noting

offal spokesman on 24/09/2014 - 11:00

Hi Folks,

Just a quick note for those who are planning to use Airbnb. I have been using them for about 18 months and been pretty happy with how its all worked, usually get a very good place and a very low cost.

However recently "they changed", (hey, airbnb still cool) and it VERY negatively affects guests booking a room.

The change is,when you send the request to book the dates you want, Airbnb IMMEDIATELY removes the money from your account, now thats fine if the booking goes through… BUT, if the host does not accept your booking… YOU HAVE TO WAIT UP 10 DAYS to get your money back!!!

The website says they "unfreeze" the money immediately but, it takes up to 10 days for it to reappear in your account, now if like me, you place four bookings in the space of an hour, and three of those four arent accepted you are out of pocket for what can be a substantial sum, for more than a week.

Trying to get airbnb to expedite the return is near on impossible and their complaint handling is very poor.

Just a warning, i still think the idea of airbnb is good, however the way i think to go is, contact the host first, get preapproval and only then book, otherwise youll be without your money for more than a week.

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Comments

  • 51ngh on 24/09/2014 - 11:49
    +2

    Thanks for the heads up.
    I don't use Airbnb very often, but this is not good business practice at all.

  • RyanMK on 24/09/2014 - 12:02
    +1

    Thanks OP, that's good to know as I use Airbnb often.

    As the OP mentioned in the final paragraph. always contact the host first. That's what I've always done. Sometimes the dates aren't available but the host hasn't had time/forgets to update their calendar.

  • Mon Gol on 24/09/2014 - 14:39

    Airbnb used to be good.
    after they changed the website, it does not seem to offer good deals any longer.
    tried it a few times recently and gave up. Not using it any more.

  • cloudy on 24/09/2014 - 15:48

    I've liked my one and only airbnb experience, but I can't imagine being a regular user. Hotels are not that expensive when compared to airbnb and hotels generally have their conveniences too.

    But it's great for places were a hotel isn't viable.

    • Geewhizz on 25/09/2014 - 07:55

      I've used them a few times, and on our Trip to Tasmania last year used them almost exclusively. For less than the price of a motel/hotel room with 4 walls to look at we had sometimes whole houses or whole floors thereof to ourselves, with views to die for.

  • offal spokesman on 28/09/2014 - 18:48
    +4

    Hi Folks,

    Just a note to follow up, i have been chatting (harassing) Airbnb re this change and they have advised they are going to change their process and not remove the money until the booking has been confirmed.

    Good News… but it hasnt happened yet, so id be careful, but well done Airbnb.

  • fifafan94 on 26/12/2014 - 18:23

    Just a heads up this policy is still in place, frustrating as I'm trying to secure accom over New Years in Los Angeles!

  • brokenxsmile on 30/12/2014 - 17:28

    Yep, still in place. I tried to book a place in Amsterdam for May. Sent the booking request. Response from owner 'Oh, I don't think we'll be going away then'. Seriously, book the dates out on your availability calendar then! The owner has whole months available, which made me think it was a apartment they had solely for AirBnB.

    So airbnb took $1300 from my credit card, and I just sent another booking request for another property so my card is pretty much maxed out until AirB&B return the money, which can take up to 5 days according to their email.

  • Panzah on 17/01/2015 - 17:52
    +1

    Hi Guys, I've found the best way around this is to message the host from the listing and it will prompt you to list your dates, then your host can provide pre-approval and no cash taken until you confirm you want to book.

    • brokenxsmile on 19/01/2015 - 17:29

      Yes, that is the best way to do it.

      However, hosts should keep their calendars up to date - they should be able to be voted/feedback-ed on whether it is.

      I made the mistake of 'booking' two properties. Both to which they replied 'Oh we will be home those dates'. I then contacted three more, one of which had the same response. The other two, which seemed to be apartments for the purpose of letting out, came back as all clear.

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