Updated : Mar 13, 2025
Instant book is an Airbnb feature that allows guests to book your property directly without any manual intervention. As a host, this can increase occupancy and save you time accepting bookings manually.
In this article, we discuss what the Airbnb Instant Book feature is, whether you should accept it, and the consequences of doing so.
What is Instant Book on Airbnb?
Instant Book is a feature on Airbnb that allows guests to book your property instantly without your prior approval as long as the guests meet your specified requirements. When Instant Book is enabled, it applies to all available dates on your calendar.
How is Instant Booking Different From Request to Book?
Request to Book requires you to intervene whenever a booking occurs. Here, a guest requests to stay at your property, and you have 24 hours to accept or decline the booking request. If left unanswered, the booking expires, which might negatively affect your rating and ranking.
Instant Book doesn’t require any intervention on your part. The guest can directly book your property and get immediate confirmation.
What Are the Advantages of Airbnb Instant Book?
- Convenience: It streamlines the booking process, making it faster for both guests and hosts.
- Increased Visibility: Listings with Instant Book often rank higher in search results, attracting more guests.
- Potential for Higher Occupancy: The ease of booking can lead to higher occupancy rates, especially for last-minute travelers.
What Are the Risks of Using Instant Booking?
Using Instant Book on Airbnb presents several risks for hosts despite its convenience. Here are the primary concerns:
1. Reduced Control Over Guest Selection
With Instant Book, hosts cannot vet guests before accepting bookings. This can lead to guests not aligning with the property’s rules or expectations. For instance, guests may book properties that are not suitable for children or pets, leading to potential conflicts and discomfort for both parties.
2. Increased Risk of Cancellations
Instant Book may result in a higher rate of cancellations. Guests might book impulsively without fully understanding the listing details, only to realize it does not meet their needs later. This can lead to lost income for hosts, emphasizing the importance of having a robust cancellation policy.
3. Miscommunication and Expectations
Guests often do not read the entire listing before booking, which can result in misunderstandings about the type of accommodation (e.g., private room vs. entire home) or amenities offered. This miscommunication can strain the relationship between hosts and guests, creating uncomfortable situations upon arrival.
4. Risk of Unauthorized Parties
Despite Airbnb’s global party ban, Instant Book properties are at risk for unauthorized gatherings, especially with last-minute bookings. Day-of bookings for single nights are prone to this type of risk, making it crucial for hosts to set parameters, such as minimum night requirements, to mitigate potential issues.
6. Impact on Superhost Status
While maintaining a high response rate through Instant Book can help achieve Superhost status, frequent cancellations or negative experiences due to unsuitable guests can jeopardize this standing. Hosts must balance the benefits of instant bookings with the potential risks to their reputation on the platform.
While Instant Book can enhance convenience and increase visibility for listings, you must carefully consider these risks and implement strategies to protect yourself.
How to Manage Instant Booking Effectively?
Managing Instant Book on Airbnb effectively involves several strategies to ensure a smooth experience for hosts and guests.
1. Set Clear Guest Requirements
Establish specific criteria that guests must meet to use Instant Book. This may include:
- Positive Reviews: Require guests to have a certain number of favorable reviews from previous hosts.
- Verified Identification: Ensure guests provide a government-issued ID.
- Booking Notice: Set a minimum advance notice for bookings to prepare the property adequately.
2. Maintain an Updated Calendar
Keep your availability calendar current to avoid double bookings. Sync your Airbnb calendar with other platforms you use to manage your property. This helps prevent unexpected bookings and potential cancellations, which can incur fees and affect your standing.
3. Implement a Rigorous Cancellation Policy
Adopt a strict cancellation policy to protect against last-minute cancellations. This can help ensure you receive compensation if a guest cancels within a certain timeframe.
4. Require a Security Deposit
Requesting a security deposit can deter potential damage to your property, as guests will be financially responsible for any issues during their stay.
5. Communicate Clearly and Promptly
Maintain open lines of communication with guests from the moment they book. Respond to inquiries quickly and provide clear information about house rules, check-in procedures, and expectations to minimize misunderstandings.
6. Create a Comprehensive Welcome Guide
Develop a detailed welcome guide that outlines property rules, local attractions, and essential information for guests. This guide can help set expectations and reduce the likelihood of issues during their stay.
7. Consider Professional Management Tools
If managing multiple bookings becomes overwhelming, consider using property management software that integrates with Airbnb. This can help streamline operations and ensure that all reservations are managed efficiently.
8. Monitor Guest Behavior
While you can cancel bookings without penalties for valid reasons, monitoring guest behavior closely is essential. If a guest appears likely to violate house rules, you can cancel their reservation promptly.
How to Turn Instant Booking On or Off?
Airbnb hosts can switch Instant Book on and off at any time. When Instant Book is enabled, it applies to all available dates in your booking calendar.
- Go to Listings and click the listing you want to change
- In Booking settings, click How guests can book
- Next to Instant Book, set the toggle to turn Instant Book on or off
- If you turn Instant Book on, select your guest requirements
- Click Save
Conclusion
You can turn on Instant Booking if it is something you can handle. Remember that with Instant Booking, you must be extra vigilant about your listing and be more hands-on to understand the bookings you can accept. However, this can be managed with the right steps and strategy.
