How To Turn Off Instant Booking On Airbnb

As an Airbnb host, you may have experienced the convenience of instant booking, where guests can book your property without your prior approval. While this feature can be beneficial for some hosts, others prefer to have more control over who stays in their property. If you fall into the latter category, this article will guide you through the process of turning off instant booking on Airbnb.

Why Turn Off Instant Booking?

There are several reasons why hosts may choose to turn off instant booking:

• Desire for more control: Some hosts prefer to have the ability to review potential guests before accepting a booking. This allows them to ensure that the guest is a good fit for their property and reduces the risk of any issues.
• Specific requirements: Certain hosts may have specific requirements or restrictions for their property, such as a minimum stay duration or age restrictions. By turning off instant booking, hosts can communicate these requirements to potential guests before accepting a booking.
• Availability management: Hosts who have fluctuating availability or prefer to manually manage their calendar may choose to turn off instant booking. This allows them to have more control over when and who can book their property.

How To Turn Off Instant Booking

Follow these steps to turn off instant booking on Airbnb:

1. Log in to your Airbnb account and go to your hosting dashboard.
2. Click on “Listings” in the top navigation menu.
3. Select the listing for which you want to turn off instant booking.
4. Click on “Manage Listing” for the selected property.
5. In the left-hand menu, click on “Booking settings.”
6. Scroll down to the “Booking preferences” section.
7. Toggle the switch next to “Instant Book” to turn it off.
8. Save your changes.

Once you have completed these steps, instant booking will be turned off for your listing, and guests will need to send a booking request that you can review and accept or decline.

FAQ

1. Can I turn off instant booking for some dates and keep it on for others?

Yes, Airbnb allows you to customize your availability settings. You can choose to turn off instant booking for specific dates or periods while keeping it on for others. This flexibility allows you to have more control over your hosting schedule.

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

No, turning off instant booking does not directly impact your search ranking on Airbnb. The platform considers various factors, such as your response rate, reviews, and overall hosting performance, to determine search rankings. However, it’s important to note that instant booking can be a preferred feature for some guests, so it may indirectly affect your booking rate.

3. How can I communicate my requirements to potential guests if I turn off instant booking?

When you turn off instant booking, you can specify your requirements and restrictions in your listing description. Clearly communicate any minimum stay durations, age restrictions, or other specific requirements that guests should be aware of before sending a booking request. This helps manage guest expectations and ensures a better fit for your property.

4. Can I turn off instant booking for existing reservations?

No, once a guest has made an instant booking, you cannot turn off instant booking for that specific reservation. However, you can still communicate with the guest and address any concerns or requirements before their stay.

5. Should I turn off instant booking if I’m a new host?

As a new host, instant booking can help you gain initial bookings and build your hosting reputation. It allows guests to book your property without any additional steps, which can be appealing to some travelers. However, if you prefer to have more control over your first few bookings, you can choose to turn off instant booking until you feel more comfortable with the process.

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

Yes, you can turn instant booking on or off at any time. If you decide to turn it back on, guests will be able to book your property instantly without your prior approval.

Summary

Turning off instant booking on Airbnb can provide hosts with more control over their property and the guests who stay in it. By following the steps outlined in this article, hosts can easily turn off instant booking and review booking requests before accepting or declining them. Remember to clearly communicate any requirements or restrictions in your listing description to manage guest expectations effectively. Whether you choose to use instant booking or not, finding the right balance between convenience and control is key to a successful hosting experience on Airbnb.