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Airbnb has changed the way we travel and find accommodation across the globe. This platform allows travelers to easily find accommodations within just one click and connect with hosts worldwide.
Along with this convenience comes a question about what Airbnb hosts can see about their guests.
Some questions are about the safety of our shared personal information, security of our financial transactions, and privacy.
This article will guide you into what Airbnb hosts can and cannot see about their guests. We will also ensure that you will clearly understand your privacy when booking through Airbnb.
Understanding How Airbnb’s Platform Works
When you plan to create an account as a guest inside the Airbnb platform, certain information, such as your name, profile photo, and other essential details, are visible to the host.
Airbnb has a messaging system, handles inquiries, and responds to a booking request for a convenient transaction between host and guest.
Many are using the Airbnb platform since it is easy and quick for travelers to use it worldwide. It is easy to find suitable places to stay while away from home.
What Airbnb Hosts Can See
Here are what hosts can see on guest profile:
Guest Profile Information
Hosts can see your name and profile photo. It allows them to put a face to the name and create a more personalized experience for their guests.
When you submit a booking request, the host can see your basic information, including the number of verifications you have completed, such as phone number, email, or government ID verification.
Reviews and Ratings
Hosts have access to your previous reviews and ratings as a guest. This information helps them know what type of guest you are.
They will also have a background of whether you have a history of being respectful and responsible. Hosts can also see your overall ratings from previous hosts.
These ratings often include guest behavior, adherence to house rules and regulations, communication, etc.
Verified Information
Airbnb verifies specific details, such as your email addresses and phone numbers, to enhance trust and safety. Hosts can see this verified information to ensure security checks.
They often prefer a government-issued ID or verified linked social media accounts to confirm their identity.
Communication
Hosts have access to all messages exchanged between you and them through Airbnb’s messaging system. It will help them facilitate communication before and during your stay.
Airbnb typically stores message history so the host can refer to previous conversations after completing a booking.
Booking Dates
Hosts can see the dates you’ve booked their property, including check-in and check-out dates. Hosts calculate the length of your stay so they can compute how many nights you will be staying.
It will also allow them to ensure their property’s availability. Booking dates are also used to calculate the total cost of the reservation, including any additional fees or charges.
Special Requests
If you’ve made any special requests, such as allergies, dietary preferences, or early check-in, hosts can see these requests and may accommodate them if possible.
Some guests may have specific bed preferences, such as requesting a king-sized bed, twin beds, or extra bedding like a rollaway bed or a crib for children.
You can also request additional amenities or decorations for celebrating special occasions. Whether for birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoon stays, your host can turn it into a memorable event for you.
What Airbnb Hosts Cannot See
Here’s what hosts cannot see on guest profiles:
Financial Information
If you worry about hosts having your financial information, they need access. Your bank account and credit card details are safe and hidden. Airbnb’s payment system securely handles this information.
Guests have a right to keep their financial information private. Sharing such sensitive data with a host can lead to potential misuse or unauthorized access, compromising the guest’s economic security and privacy.
Personal Messages
Hosts can only see your communication history through Airbnb’s messaging system. They cannot access personal messages sent through other platforms.
Hosting platforms can be held liable for misuse or mishandling of individual messages. By keeping messages private, platforms reduce the risk of legal issues and ensure a safer environment for users.
Identifying Documents
Hosts cannot see your passport or ID card information. Airbnb handles document verification separately.
Most hosting platforms have policies that restrict hosts from accessing guest-identifying documents to balance the needs of hosts and guests while respecting privacy and trust.
Instead, they rely on their identity verification processes to ensure the authenticity of users while keeping sensitive information confidential. It makes the environment secure and respectful for all users.
Browsing History
Your browsing history on Airbnb’s website or app is not visible to hosts. They won’t know if you’ve been searching for other listings.
Browsing history can contain sensitive and personal information about a guest’s online activities, interests, and preferences. Allowing hosts access to this information would violate the guest’s privacy rights.
Contact Information
Airbnb keeps your email address and phone number confidential. Hosts can only contact you through the platform’s messaging system.
Protecting the privacy of users is a fundamental principle of many online platforms. Your contact details, such as email address or phone number, are considered sensitive personal information.
Allowing hosts access to this information would violate the guest’s privacy rights.
Protecting Your Privacy as an Airbnb Guest
Now that you understand what Airbnb hosts can and cannot see about you, here are some tips to protect your privacy as a guest:
Communicate Through Airbnb
To keep all interactions within the platform and ensure your privacy, only use Airbnb’s messaging system for all communication. Avoid communicating with other social messaging platforms.
It lets you know who you are communicating with inside the Airbnb platform simultaneously to avoid fraud.
Check Reviews
Before booking a listing:
- Review the host’s ratings and read guest reviews to know their hosting style and reliability.
- Read reviews to check if the property description is accurate.
- Check the amenities, cleanliness, location, water availability, and other essential services.
The number of guest satisfaction is also a great help to verify the listing.
Use Verified Payment
Always make payments through Airbnb’s secure payment system to safeguard your financial information. Verified Airbnb hosts will have a “Verified” badge on their profiles.
It means that Airbnb confirmed their identity through various checks. Booking with verified hosts can provide an extra layer of assurance.
Be Respectful
Maintain a good reputation as a guest by being respectful and responsible during your stay. Positive reviews will make you more appealing to hosts.
Being respectful enhances your own travel experience. When you respect hosts, staff, and other guests, you are more likely to receive better service and enjoy a more pleasant stay.
Report Any Issues
If you ever encounter privacy concerns or uncomfortable situations, report them to Airbnb immediately.
You can report problems such as faulty wiring or broken locks; this will promptly allow Airbnb to take action to address the issue. It will also prevent potential accidents or incidents.
Conclusion
Airbnb hosts have access to certain information about guests, including profile details, reviews, and booking dates, but they do not have access to sensitive financial or personal information.
Airbnb strongly emphasizes user privacy and security, and understanding what hosts can see allows you to enjoy your stays confidently.
Hosts are encouraged to use the information available to them responsibly. Understanding your privacy rights as an Airbnb guest is crucial in this digital age.
By following best practices and being aware of what information is shared, you can enjoy your Airbnb experience with peace of mind.
