Instant Book on Airbnb: Weighing Pros and Cons for Hosts

The decision to enable or disable Instant Book on Airbnb is a crucial one for any Airbnb host. This feature streamlines the booking process, but it also raises questions about control over who stays in your unit, and the trust factor between the platform, hosts and guests.

In this short article, we'll delve into the benefits and drawbacks of activating Instant Book on Airbnb from a host's perspective, helping you make an informed choice that aligns with your hosting style and goals.

*We are huge fans of learning from each other and customising your host experience so it works best for you - to get more detailed answers about your particular case, we recommend asking a question on one of your local Airbnb host groups on Facebook.

Find out more about Instant Book on Airbnb here: Instant Book

Pros of Enabling Instant Book

Faster Bookings, Higher Visibility:

Instant Book listings often appear higher in Airbnb search results, offering increased visibility to potential guests seeking immediate booking options. This has been reported by multiple hosts and you can read about it on a forum thread on WithAirbnb here.

Enabling Instant Book through this can lead to quicker bookings and a potential boost in occupancy rates.

Convenience for Guests:

Instant Book simplifies the booking process for guests, as they can secure accommodations without waiting for host approval. This convenience can attract travelers who prioritize swift and hassle-free reservations.

Attracting Spontaneous Travelers:

Instant Book appeals to last-minute travelers and those who make spontaneous plans. By enabling this feature, you open your doors to a wider range of guests seeking immediate availability.

Superhost Status Boost:

Maintaining a high response rate and accepting Instant Book reservations can contribute to achieving and maintaining Superhost status, enhancing your credibility in the Airbnb community.

Cons of Enabling Instant Book

Reduced Control Over Bookings:

Enabling Instant Book means relinquishing control over who books your property. This can result in less vetting of guests, potentially leading to a mismatch between guest expectations and your property's offerings.

This is especially dangerous if your property is not child/pet friendly and you have included this specifically in your listing - yet, as we know, people have a tendency not to read fine print.

With Instant Book on, you have to make sure to ask questions about the type of guests that booked in detail, since you’re not able to pre-vet them.

Get a ready set of messages saved in your Airbnb chat template section - with some questions about the guests’ age and needs.

Risk of Unwanted Bookings:

With Instant Book, there's a possibility of receiving bookings that don't align with your property's rules or criteria. This could lead to uncomfortable situations or conflicts with guests.

Instant Book is often used for stag dos, hen dos and all kinds of parties and events. Guests who prefer to fly under the radar will always pick a quicker booking option, ideally with no screening questions beforehand.

So again, have a set list of screening messages ready!

Lack of Personalized Communication:

Instant Book transactions skip the communication phase that allows hosts to ask questions, clarify details, and ensure the guest's fit with the property. This may impact the overall hosting experience.

Pressure on Availability:

Enabling Instant Book might require you to maintain an updated and flexible calendar to accommodate potential last-minute bookings. This can be challenging for hosts with specific availability windows.

Pros of Keeping Instant Book Disabled

Control Over Bookings:

By keeping Instant Book off, you retain control over who stays in your property. You can personally vet guests, ensuring they align with your hosting style and property rules.

Enhanced Communication:

Disabling Instant Book allows you to engage in conversations with potential guests before confirming a booking. This enables you to establish rapport and address any questions or concerns.

Customized Experiences:

Personalized communication lets you tailor the experience for each guest, accommodating special requests and ensuring a harmonious stay.

Cons of Keeping Instant Book Disabled

Lower Search Visibility:

Listings without Instant Book may not receive the same visibility boost in search results, potentially impacting your property's exposure and booking rates.

Competing with Instant Book Listings:

As many travellers prefer the convenience of Instant Book, your listing might face competition from others that offer this feature.

The decision to enable or disable Instant Book on Airbnb is a significant one that directly affects your hosting experience. Weighing the pros and cons from a host's perspective is essential in determining what aligns with your hosting goals, property type, and personal preferences. Consider your hosting style, comfort level, and the type of guests you wish to attract when making this decision.

About Us

KeyNest offers you a convenient service for storing and exchanging your property keys. You can drop off a key at any of the 5,000+ locations in our network, so there’s one such Point located next to your property already.

Guests, cleaners or contractors can then collect the key securely from a KeyNest Point, which is usually open 24/7. You'll be notified each time the key is picked up or returned, and you can even customize check-in and check-out times.

KeyNest has an ever-expanding global network of locations located just minutes from your property. To find out more, visit our website: https://keynest.com/