How to Turn Off Instant Booking on Airbnb

As an Airbnb host, you may have experienced the challenges of managing instant bookings. While instant booking can be convenient for guests, it may not always be the best option for hosts. If you prefer to have more control over who stays in your property, turning off instant booking can be a wise decision. In this article, we will explore the steps to turn off instant booking on Airbnb and discuss the benefits of doing so.

What is Instant Booking?

Instant booking is a feature on Airbnb that allows guests to book a property without the host’s approval. When a guest finds a listing with instant booking enabled, they can simply select their dates and complete the booking process immediately. This feature is designed to provide a seamless and efficient booking experience for guests.

Why Turn Off Instant Booking?

While instant booking can be convenient for guests, it may not be suitable for all hosts. Here are some reasons why you might consider turning off instant booking:

• Control over who stays: By turning off instant booking, you have the opportunity to review each booking request and ensure that the guest is a good fit for your property.
• Preventing last-minute cancellations: Instant bookings can sometimes lead to last-minute cancellations, which can be disruptive to your hosting schedule. By reviewing each booking request, you can minimize the risk of cancellations.
• Protecting your property: Some hosts prefer to have more control over who stays in their property to minimize the risk of damage or other issues.
• Customizing your hosting experience: By turning off instant booking, you can set specific requirements or preferences for your guests, such as a minimum stay duration or specific check-in/check-out times.

How to Turn Off Instant Booking

Turning off instant booking on Airbnb is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Log in to your Airbnb account and go to your hosting dashboard.
2. Click on “Listings” in the top menu.
3. Select the listing for which you want to turn off instant booking.
4. Click on “Availability settings” in the left-hand menu.
5. Scroll down to the “Booking settings” section.
6. Toggle off the “Instant Book” option.
7. Save your changes.

Once you have turned off instant booking, guests will need to send a booking request that you can review and accept or decline.

Benefits of Turning Off Instant Booking

By turning off instant booking, you gain several benefits as a host:

• Increased control: You have the final say in who stays in your property, allowing you to ensure a better fit and a more enjoyable hosting experience.
• Reduced risk of cancellations: By reviewing each booking request, you can assess the guest’s reliability and minimize the risk of last-minute cancellations.
• Improved communication: With instant booking turned off, you have the opportunity to communicate with potential guests before accepting their booking, allowing you to address any questions or concerns.
• Customization options: You can set specific requirements or preferences for your guests, such as a minimum stay duration or specific check-in/check-out times.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I turn off instant booking for specific dates?

No, the instant booking feature is either enabled or disabled for your entire listing. You cannot turn it off for specific dates.

2. Will turning off instant booking affect my search ranking?

While Airbnb does not explicitly state that turning off instant booking affects search ranking, some hosts have reported a decrease in visibility after disabling the feature. However, providing a great guest experience and receiving positive reviews can help mitigate any potential impact on search ranking.

3. Can I still receive booking requests if I turn off instant booking?

Yes, by turning off instant booking, guests will need to send a booking request that you can review and accept or decline.

4. How can I ensure a smooth booking process without instant booking?

To ensure a smooth booking process without instant booking, it is important to respond promptly to booking requests and maintain clear communication with potential guests. Setting up automated messages and using Airbnb’s messaging platform can help streamline the process.

5. Can I turn off instant booking for some guests and keep it enabled for others?

No, the instant booking feature is either enabled or disabled for your entire listing. You cannot selectively enable it for certain guests.

6. Can I turn instant booking back on after disabling it?

Yes, you can turn instant booking back on at any time by following the same steps outlined earlier.

Summary

Turning off instant booking on Airbnb provides hosts with increased control over who stays in their property and reduces the risk of last-minute cancellations. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, hosts can easily disable instant booking and enjoy the benefits of reviewing each booking request. Remember to maintain clear communication with potential guests and provide a great guest experience to ensure a successful hosting journey.