In today’s one-click, Airbnb has become a go-to platform for travelers searching for unique accommodations. At the same time, it helps every host’s business grow fast.
While Airbnb is generally user-friendly, some things, such as third-party bookings, may not be too familiar to others.
Airbnb has made a policy that they won’t permit third-party bookings. The individuals who have made the reservation should be the ones who will stay at the property after booking.
In this article, we’ve written some essential things you need to know about Airbnb third-party bookings—the definition, when it is allowed, and how to handle them effectively.
What Are Airbnb Third-Party Bookings?
First, let’s define what Airbnb third-party booking is. Third-party booking is when a person other than the guest who will be staying makes the reservation.
It can be a family member, friend, or even a corporate entity arranging accommodation for an employee or client.
Say, for example, you want to book for your cousin who doesn’t have an Airbnb account.
You just discovered that this is against Airbnb policy because you are not the one staying. Instead, you have received a message that it should be your cousin who will book for herself.
Who Are Allowed in Third-Party Booking?
If your company has registered in Airbnb for work, you can book or request a reservation for your colleagues without disobeying the Airbnb policy.
The platform allows business trip books for the company.
You can handle the reservation request and payment. Airbnb for Work accommodates various booking options, from individual trips to group bookings for larger teams.
Airbnb for work helps provide a seamless and convenient experience for business travelers and their employers.
It offers various features and services that cater to the unique needs of corporate travel, making it a popular choice for companies looking for alternative accommodations for their employees.
What to Do if Third-Party Booking Is Not Allowed for Friends or Loved Ones?
Airbnb requires personal travel reservations, which someone else should not book.
Instead of booking for them, invite them to Airbnb by clicking the “invite friends” and earn travel credits as a reward.
If you’re not allowed to book a property for your friend through a third-party booking on a platform like Airbnb, you can follow these steps to guide them through the entire booking process:
Inform Your Friend
Let your friend know that you won’t be able to book the property on their behalf as a third party.
Explain the platform’s policies and the reasons for this limitation. Instead of booking for them, offer to guide them through the booking process.
Let them know you’re more than willing to assist them in finding a suitable property and navigating the reservation steps.
Ask Your Friend to Create an Account
If your friend still needs an account on the booking platform (e.g., Airbnb), ask them to create one.
They will need their account to make the reservation. Offer to assist your friend in finding suitable listings, making reservations, and navigating the platform.
Answer any questions they may have about using Airbnb. Your friend can explore Airbnb listings once the account is created and verified.
They can search for properties, read reviews, and begin the booking process whenever they are ready.
Search for Properties Together
Help your friend search for properties that meet their needs and preferences. You can assist them in finding suitable options based on location, dates, budget, and other criteria.
Encourage your friend to browse the property photos to understand better what it looks like. Reading guest reviews can also provide valuable insights into the property’s quality and the host’s hospitality.
Booking Process
Once your friend has selected a property, guide them through the booking process. They should initiate the reservation using their account. Airbnb listings specify the host’s cancellation policy.
Ensure your friend understands the cancellation terms, which range from flexible to strict.
Communication With the Host
Encourage your friend to communicate directly with the host if they have questions, specific requests, or concerns about the property. Effective communication with the host is essential.
Encourage your friend to contact the host to confirm check-in instructions, ask questions, or discuss special requests. Effective communication with the host is necessary.
Payment
Your friend should use their payment method to complete the booking. The booking platform typically requires the reservation to be made using the guest’s payment information.
Remind your friend that Airbnb takes payment security seriously. Their payment information is encrypted and protected. Remind your friend to keep a copy of the payment receipt or confirmation email for their records.
This document may be needed for reference or reimbursement purposes.
Review House Rules
Before confirming the reservation, your friend should carefully review the house rules and policies set by the host. Understanding and agreeing to these rules is crucial for a successful stay.
Encourage your friend to carefully read through all the house rules provided by the host. House rules can cover various topics, including check-in/check-out times, quiet hours, smoking policies, and more.
ID Verification
Depending on the platform, your friend may need to verify their identity.
They should follow the identity verification process provided by the venue, which may include providing identification and other verification steps.
Airbnb will give clear instructions for completing the ID verification. Typically, this involves photographing a government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) and a selfie to confirm their identity.
Confirmation and Check-In
After the booking is confirmed, your friend should receive the host’s confirmation details and check-in instructions. They should follow these instructions for a smooth check-in process.
Encourage your friend to have a backup plan in case of any travel delays or unexpected circumstances. It might include having a nearby hotel as an alternative option.
Stay Responsibly
During the stay, your friend should adhere to the host’s house rules and treat the property respectfully.
Maintaining open communication with the host is essential if any issues or questions arise during the stay. Tell your friend about the dos and don’ts.
Encourage Them to Leave a Review and Feedback
After the stay, you can tell your friend to leave a review and provide feedback about their experience. It can help future guests and hosts. It will also make them comfortable in trying different accommodations after the incident.
By following these steps, your friend can successfully book and enjoy their stay at the property while complying with the platform’s policies.
Refer to the specific platform’s official website or contact their support for the most current information and guidance regarding bookings and policies.
Conclusion
Airbnb third-party bookings can be a convenient option for both guests and hosts. However, due to the platform policy, you can’t book on their behalf unless you stay together.
While this might sound frustrating, you can help your loved ones book for themselves in other ways.
Whether you’re a host or a guest, understanding how third-party bookings can help ensure a positive and hassle-free stay. It’s essential to look for alternatives to avoid cancellations and hassle.
By following the written guidelines in this blog, you can make a good decision for yourself and your loved ones.
