Airbnb Instant Book: Pros & Cons

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Airbnb’s Instant Book feature allows guests to book properties without needing prior approval from the host. While it offers convenience for both hosts and guests, Instant Book may not be the right choice for every property owner. In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using Instant Book on Airbnb, helping you decide whether it’s the right option for your rental business.

Pros of Airbnb Instant Book

1. Increased Visibility

Airbnb prioritises properties that use Instant Book in search results. By enabling this feature, your listing is more likely to appear higher in the rankings, increasing your chances of being seen by potential guests. Greater visibility often translates into more bookings, which is ideal if you’re looking to maximise your property’s occupancy.

2. Faster Bookings

Instant Book allows guests to reserve your property immediately, without waiting for approval. This can be particularly advantageous for last-minute bookings, where guests don’t have time to wait for a host’s response. For hosts who want to keep their calendar full and make the booking process seamless, Instant Book is an excellent tool.

3. Less Administrative Work

When Instant Book is enabled, hosts don’t need to manually approve every booking request. This reduces the time spent on administrative tasks and allows you to focus on other aspects of managing your rental, like ensuring the property is well-maintained and preparing for guest arrivals.

4. More Trust from Guests

Guests tend to favour listings that use Instant Book, as it provides them with an immediate sense of certainty and convenience. Many travellers prefer the ease of booking without waiting for a response, especially if they’re booking during a busy travel period.

Cons of Airbnb Instant Book

1. Less Control Over Guest Selection

One of the biggest drawbacks of Instant Book is the reduced control over who stays at your property. While Airbnb provides some guest screening tools—such as requiring verified ID or positive reviews from past stays—hosts have less say in vetting potential guests. This could be a concern if you prefer to screen guests based on their communication or specific needs.

2. Higher Risk of Cancellations

With Instant Book, guests may book without considering all the details of their stay, leading to an increased likelihood of cancellations. This can be frustrating, especially if you’ve prepared for a guest’s arrival only for them to cancel at the last minute. While Airbnb’s cancellation policy offers some protection, dealing with last-minute changes can still be inconvenient.

3. Limited Flexibility

If you prefer to have more control over your booking process, Instant Book might feel too rigid. For example, if you want to ask questions about a guest’s planned activities or clarify house rules before confirming a booking, you’ll lose that opportunity with Instant Book. This can be particularly challenging if you have specific requirements for your property, such as quiet hours or restrictions on large groups.

4. Potential for Negative Experiences

Instant Book may increase the likelihood of hosting guests who aren’t a good fit for your property. While most guests are respectful, there’s always a risk of encountering individuals who don’t follow house rules or create issues during their stay. Without the chance to vet each guest personally, you may face higher chances of a negative experience.

Is Airbnb Instant Book Right for You?

Ultimately, whether or not to use Instant Book depends on your hosting style and priorities. If you’re looking to maximise bookings and don’t mind relinquishing some control over guest selection, Instant Book could be a valuable tool. On the other hand, if you prefer a more hands-on approach, it might not be the best fit.

Let Us Help You Manage Your Airbnb Listing

At Airhost Agency, we offer expert management services for Airbnb hosts, whether you choose to use Instant Book or prefer manual bookings. From optimising your listing to managing guest communications, we’re here to help you succeed.

Contact us today to learn how we can make hosting on Airbnb stress-free and profitable!

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