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Airbnb has become popular for travelers worldwide, offering unique and affordable accommodations in various locations.
However, unlike many other companies, Airbnb does not offer a military discount.
While this may be disappointing for military personnel and their families, many options for military discounts and perks are still available.
This article will explore why Airbnb does not offer military discounts and what alternative discounts are available for military personnel.
We will also provide tips for finding and taking advantage of these discounts. So, military members and their families can make the most of their travel experiences.
Why Does Airbnb Not Offer Military Discounts?
Airbnb has not publicly stated why they do not offer a military discount. However, several factors may contribute to their decision.
Airbnb operates on a peer-to-peer platform, meaning hosts set their prices, and Airbnb takes a commission on each booking.
This decentralized model may make it difficult for Airbnb to offer a consistent discount to military personnel without impacting the earnings of individual hosts.
Unlike hotels, Airbnb doesn’t own any properties listed on its site. Instead, it allows property owners to set rental rates for their spaces.
While they only pay Airbnb a commission for any bookings made through the platform.
Airbnb faces a challenge in providing military discounts because the company has no control over pricing.
Each rental and accommodation is determined by the host, making it difficult for Airbnb to enforce military discounts across all hosts.
Implementing such a discount could cause tension with rental owners. Hosts may be concerned about a potential loss of income and conflicting personal beliefs.
However, many property owners or hosts offer military discounts to guests who book directly or ask for them. For those who book through Airbnb, discounts can only be provided if guests ask the host.
How to Ask a Host for a Military Discount on Airbnb?
If you’re a military family or veteran looking to book an Airbnb, you may wonder if discounts are available.
While Airbnb offers no upfront discounts to military families and veterans, there’s still a chance you could get one. Hosts can offer special rates to guests.
So, it’s worth reaching out and seeing if they can provide you with a lower price.
Some Airbnb hosts are willing to offer military discounts if asked. Some hosts have found military families excellent guests who respect the property and leave it in great condition.
If you’re interested in booking an Airbnb, it’s worth sending a polite email to the host to inquire about a military discount. Ask if they would be willing to offer one.
Remember that not all hosts can offer a discount, especially if they have a high demand for their property or are already offering competitive rates.
However, it doesn’t hurt to ask; you may be pleasantly surprised by the response. So, don’t hesitate to ask if a military discount is available for your desired Airbnb rental.
To Initiate a Conversation with the Host Aside from Email:
1. Click the “Contact host” button below their rental property description.
2. Introduce yourself briefly and give some background information that you’re a military personnel or family member.
3. Mention specific reasons for wanting to stay on their property.
It would also be helpful to include references to positive reviews and feedback from other Airbnb hosts.
Alternatives on How to Get Discounts on Airbnb
If you’re looking for discounts on your upcoming Airbnb stay, here are tips on how to save and stretch your travel budget even further.
Book More Nights than Your Planned Stay
Book more nights than you need. It may sound counterintuitive, but it can lead to more significant discounts.
For instance, if you are planning a long trip abroad. You need to book an Airbnb for 25 nights; you can save more by booking for 30 nights instead.
Doing so may make you eligible for a 50% monthly discount, which can save you significant money. Ultimately, you could pay less for more nights than initially planned.
Book by Month on Airbnb
If you need to save even more on your next Airbnb stay, consider booking for a month or longer. You can typically receive discounts ranging from 25% to 50% off the nightly rate.
This discount is automatically added to your reservation at the host’s discretion.
It’s worth noting that it’s rare to find a host who offers weekly or monthly discounts. So, keep this in mind when searching for your ideal Airbnb.
If you do come across a listing that doesn’t offer lower rates for more extended stays, it’s best to look for another option that does.
By booking for a more extended period, you will save money. Additionally, you can settle in and truly feel at home in your new surroundings.
Find New Listing Discounts
Consider searching for new listings on the website to save more on your Airbnb booking. While it may take more effort to find them, new listings can offer a discount of up to 20%.
This discount applies to the first three reservations made within 30 days of the listing being live.
Remember that this offer may only be available for some new listings, so it’s worth researching before booking.
However, snagging a discount can be a great way to save money and stay in a new and exciting Airbnb property.
Early Bird Airbnb Discount
If you plan your trip well in advance, you can use the early bird Airbnb discount. It is a special discount some hosts offer guests who book their stay well ahead of time.
While not all Airbnbs offer this discount, it’s worth checking if you plan your trip for months.
You could save a significant amount on your Airbnb stay by booking early.
Keep an eye out for the early bird discount when browsing through listings, and consider reaching out to hosts to see if they offer this type of discount.
It could be a great way to save money and secure your ideal Airbnb stay for your upcoming trip.
Buy Airbnb Discounted Gift Cards
Airbnb offers gift cards you can purchase at face value, but sometimes you can find them discounted on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
Some people receive gift cards as a present but plan on using something other than them, so they sell them at a lower price.
However, it’s essential to be cautious when buying secondhand gift cards. There are scammers out there who sell fake gift cards or ones that have already been used.
To avoid being scammed, only buy from reputable sellers with good reviews, and verify the gift card’s balance before using it for a booking.
Conclusion
While Airbnb does not offer military discounts, alternative discounts are still available for military personnel on the platform.
By searching for hosts or experiences that offer military discounts and checking with employers for Airbnb for work benefits, military personnel can still find ways to save money on their Airbnb bookings.
Not all hosts or experiences may offer military discounts, so it’s always a good idea to check the listing details or contact the host directly to confirm any discounts before booking.
Overall, while the lack of an official military discount from Airbnb may disappoint some, there are still options available for military personnel to make their Airbnb stays more affordable.
