Airbnb third-party booking is an interesting topic that many people are willing to have more information about. Since Airbnb’s leading policy is to maintain the safety and comfort of its members (both guests and hosts using this platform), this question comes across as is an option named “Airbnb third-party booking” is basically available on the Airbnb website or not.
But before answering this question, let’s see what third-party booking means and whether it is allowed on Airbnb or not!
What Is Airbnb Third-Party Booking?
Since using third-party booking websites is one of the advertising (Airbnb Advertising) methods so many hosts use to increase booking rates, third-party booking is a common way to reserve a hotel, services, or residential property on behalf of someone else, like your family members or friends. But it’s just the simplest definition of third-party booking!
What about agencies and booking websites? All travel agencies and booking websites are actually created based on the concept of third-party booking. Nowadays, third-party booking is way more complicated than just a simple reservation for your loved ones; it has become a vast high-potential industry that has created millions of jobs all around the world.
When Do People Tend to Use Airbnb Third-Party Booking?
In the first scenario, plenty of people don’t have enough time to search for the best hotels or residential properties for their future trips.
This commonly occurs during business trips when attending events or meetings on behalf of a company or personal business objectives. In such cases, a secretary or personal manager acts as a third-party intermediary, handling bookings on behalf of a company or individual. In the second scenario, individuals unfamiliar with or finding online booking systems too complex seek assistance from their children, friends, or travel agencies. People often use third-party booking platforms for offers and discounts, which is the most common scenario. Like any other thing in this universe, third-party booking has its pros and cons too.
Pros:
More affordable prices:
Prices found on Airbnb third-party booking websites are less expensive than the listed price on the hotel or rental property website. Furthermore, you can use third-party booking websites and agencies’ occasional and seasonal discounts.
Easy comparison:
Admit it! It takes less time to see different hotels or rental properties with their fees and services on a single web page than to read and search about them one by one. Travel agencies and third-party booking websites make it easy to choose between different options.
Cons:
No special perks waiting for you:
Third-party bookers often can’t choose or modify their room type, missing out on exclusive programs and discounts available to direct hotel bookers.
Poor customer service:
It’s always better to book directly via the hotel or rental property websites to experience better consumer service. Imagine needing to modify plans or facing an issue, but reaching out to the support team and waiting for a resolution adds complexity to the situation. Mainly most customers reported that the support team’s performance wasn’t satisfying enough.
No guaranteed refund:
However, most travel agencies will refund the money you’ve paid for the reservation in case of cancelation or other reasons, but there is no guarantee that third-party booking websites do the same!
Airbnb Third-Party Booking
And now the time has come! You may have numerous questions in your mind so far. How can I book an Airbnb for my parents? Are there discounts for third-party booking on Airbnb?? Why haven’t I heard anything about it so far?
The fact is that Airbnb does NOT allow third-party bookings!
But why not?
Airbnb’s leading policy is to maintain honesty and trust between two main parties, the guests and the hosts. So what? It means that all information and data about the guests and the hosts must be verified and explicit. Hosts rely on the reviews and information on the guests’ Airbnb profiles and then decide whether to accept their request or not, and so do the guests! However, allowing third-party booking seems like a win-win situation. However, using third-party booking can lead to issues and consequences, so avoid it when booking for your loved ones! Instead of that, make them an Airbnb profile, input all the required information, and send a request through their own accounts.
So far, we have found out that Airbnb third-party booking is not an option. But what about business travel? Does it mean business travelers can’t use an Airbnb booked by their companies? The answer is in the following section!
Airbnb Third-Party Booking for Business Travels
It’s true that Airbnb third-party booking is not available for people, but in this case, the Airbnb policies are different for the companies!
Companies can make reservations on behalf of their members for business trips on the Airbnb website. It’s essential to enroll the company on the “Airbnb for work page” and verify the company’s information before making reservations. Once the reservation is made, the company assumes responsibility for payments and manages all aspects, from transfers to checkouts. During the stay, both the business traveler(guest) and the company will receive all the announcements and details given by the Airbnb host.
Alternatives for Third-Party Bookings
If you need to host someone without an Airbnb account, if another person booked for you, or if your employer arranged your stay, here are host options to think about:
Cancel the Booking Penalty-Free
If you realize your guest booked for another person, you can get in touch with Airbnb to ask for the reservation to be canceled. This won’t lead to charges or affect your Superhost status negatively.
Communicate with Your Guest
If those who booked aren’t the ones staying, you can talk to your guest about it. One solution is to suggest that unregistered guests make their own Airbnb accounts and book using their own details. Remember, the person who booked might have to pay a cancellation fee. But it’s better than hosting someone without a booking, which could lead to higher expenses and risks.
Request ID Verification and Signed Form
If you choose to accept the booking for a specific reason, it’s smart to be cautious. This might involve getting the guests’ ID or passport, having them sign a waiver, or communicating through the Airbnb app where they agree to the risks. Remember, letting third parties book comes with risks. Airbnb looks at these bookings case by case, considering the situation to decide if they’re okay.
Addressing Challenges with Guests in Third-Party Booking Scenarios
If you’re a guest needing a third-party booking on Airbnb, don’t worry – there are ways to handle it. Here are some options to consider:
Create Your Account and Get a Credit
Take advantage of Airbnb’s referral program. If a friend refers you, you can get credit for your first stay. If you don’t know anyone with an Airbnb account, there are referral codes you can use. Check my guide on Airbnb’s first booking coupon code for more info.
Move the Booking to Another Account
If you’ve booked for a friend and it’s not allowed, you can fix it. Contact Airbnb and explain. They might let you move the booking to your friend’s account without fees.
Have your friend make an Airbnb account (using your referral credit if possible) and ask to change the booking to their account. Talk to the host and explain. Try to get a confirmation in the Airbnb app. Then contact customer service to make the changes.
Use Airbnb for Work
Look into Airbnb’s Work Collection. It’s for work trips and works with third-party bookings. If you’re a company, big or small, and your employees need places to stay for work, check out Airbnb for Work. It’s a good solution for third-party bookings.
With these options, you can handle third-party bookings and find solutions as an Airbnb guest.
FAQ
Are third-party bookings allowed on Airbnb?
If you’re a verified Airbnb member, you can make reservations for others. When you book for someone else, you manage the booking request, introductions, and payment, then pass the trip responsibility to the guest.
Can people book Airbnb for someone else?
Guests must personally book their own personal travel reservations, as Hosts depend on profiles, reviews, and verifications when approving bookings. If your friends and family aren’t on Airbnb, here’s how to help them begin.
Does Airbnb allow double booking?
Double bookings occur when two guests reserve your listing for the same dates. This often happens in busy seasons and can harm your Airbnb business. If your Airbnb property experiences a double booking, you’ll need to cancel one reservation.
Final Words
Opening the gates to third-party booking websites has a lot of financial profits for Airbnb and draws more people to book an Airbnb. On one hand, Airbnb third-party booking may result in more unpleasant guest-host experiences. Additionally, it can complicate the trust hosts place in their guests. The Airbnb policies prioritize loyal customers and higher satisfaction over maximizing bookings and guests. Considering this fact, it will be no longer surprising to notice that Airbnb third-party booking is not allowed in this company.
What do you think? Do you think Airbnb should make a third-party booking option available? Do you prefer to book a place through the Airbnb website or a third-party booking website? Please write your comments down in the section below.