Short Term Rental Dictionary

short term rental
Book Call
GYB Calculator
what-is-instant-bookings

Instant-Booking and what Pros and Cons of Instant booking

In the fast-paced world of short-term rentals, Airbnb hosts have the option to enable instant booking, a feature that allows guests to book their property instantly without the need for host approval. While instant booking offers convenience and flexibility for both hosts and guests, it also comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. In this guide, we’ll delve into the concept of instant booking and explore its pros and cons to help hosts make informed decisions about whether to enable this feature.

What is Instant Booking?

Instant booking is a feature on Airbnb that allows guests to book a property instantly without having to wait for host approval. When hosts enable instant booking, guests can simply select their desired dates, confirm the booking, and receive immediate confirmation, making the booking process seamless and efficient.

Pros of Instant Booking

  • Convenience: Instant booking offers convenience for guests who prefer to book accommodations spontaneously or at the last minute. It eliminates the need for back-and-forth communication with the host and streamlines the booking process.
  • Increased Booking Potential: By enabling instant booking, hosts can attract more bookings and increase their occupancy rate. Guests are more likely to book a property that offers instant confirmation, especially if they’re searching for accommodations on short notice.
  • Time-Saving: Instant booking saves hosts time by automating the booking process and eliminating the need to manually review and approve each reservation request. Hosts can focus their time and energy on other aspects of their hosting business.
  • Improved Search Ranking: Airbnb rewards hosts who enable instant booking by giving their listings higher visibility in search results. This can lead to increased exposure and more bookings for hosts who opt into this feature.
  • Better Guest Experience: Instant booking provides guests with immediate confirmation of their reservation, giving them peace of mind and reducing uncertainty about their travel plans. This can contribute to a positive guest experience and lead to higher ratings and reviews.

Cons of Instant Booking

  • Risk of Unwanted Bookings: One of the main drawbacks of instant booking is the potential for guests to book without fully understanding the property’s rules or suitability for their needs. This can lead to unexpected cancellations or disputes if the guest’s expectations are not met.
  • Limited Control: Instant booking removes hosts’ ability to screen guests before accepting a reservation, which may result in hosting guests who may not be the best fit for their property. Hosts may prefer to have more control over who stays in their home by manually approving each reservation request.
  • Potential for Double Bookings: Without the opportunity to review and approve each reservation request, hosts risk double bookings if their calendar is not kept up to date. This can lead to logistical challenges and negative experiences for both hosts and guests.
  • Difficulty in Enforcing House Rules: Hosts may find it challenging to enforce their house rules with guests who book through instant booking, as they have less opportunity to communicate expectations and preferences before the guest’s arrival.
  • Risk of Negative Reviews: In some cases, instant booking may lead to hosting guests who are not a good fit for the property, resulting in negative reviews or ratings. Hosts may need to manage guest expectations more carefully to mitigate this risk.

Instant booking offers a range of benefits for both hosts and guests, including convenience, increased booking potential, and improved guest experience. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges, including the risk of unwanted bookings, limited control over guests, and the potential for double bookings. Hosts should carefully weigh the pros and cons of instant booking and consider their preferences, hosting style, and property suitability before deciding whether to enable this feature.

Share the Post:
  • BOOK A CALL
  • BOOK A CALL
  • BOOK A CALL
  • BOOK A CALL
  • BOOK A CALL
  • BOOK A CALL
  • BOOK A CALL
  • BOOK A CALL
  • BOOK A CALL
  • BOOK A CALL
  • BOOK A CALL
  • BOOK A CALL

Have confusion regarding your

Short Term Rental Business?


Hope to provide you with the best solution at a single platform. Book a call to understand more.

Book a Call >>
Scroll to Top