When (not) to use Instant Book on Airbnb
Enabling Instant Book on your Airbnb listing might lead to higher search rankings and more bookings. However, before deciding to use this feature, it’s important to weigh both the benefits and potential downsides. Instant Book makes it easier for guests to secure a stay, but it also involves certain trade-offs that you should carefully consider.
What is Instant Book?
Instant Book is a feature on Airbnb that allows guests to reserve your accommodation without needing prior approval from you. In the usual booking process, when a guest expresses interest in your property, you review their profile and decide whether to accept or decline the request.
With Instant Book, this step is bypassed. Guests can select available dates and book your property instantly, without waiting for your approval. If you enable Instant Book, it applies to all open dates on your calendar, and guests who meet your pre-set criteria can book your space automatically. Coordination of details like check-in can be discussed later.
The benefits of Instant Book
- One of the key advantages of Instant Book is that it simplifies the booking process for both hosts and guests. For hosts, this means less time spent managing individual booking requests. By removing the need to approve each inquiry, you reduce your workload and also avoid the risk of being flagged as an ‘unresponsive’ host. This allows you more freedom to focus on other aspects of hosting or personal tasks.
- For guests, particularly those booking at the last minute or under time pressure, Instant Book is a convenient option. Many travellers may be searching for accommodation while on the go, perhaps from an airport or train station, and prefer a hassle-free booking experience. Airbnb even allows users to filter results so that only Instant Book properties appear in their search. This can make your listing more attractive to guests who prioritise ease and speed in their booking process.
- In terms of Airbnb’s ranking system, using Instant Book can also improve your listing’s visibility. The platform rewards listings with high response rates, and by enabling Instant Book, you’re likely to see your property climb higher in search results. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of securing bookings.
- Another benefit is that Instant Book can help you achieve Airbnb’s coveted Superhost status. One of the criteria for becoming a Superhost is maintaining a response rate of at least 90%, and since Instant Book effectively eliminates the need to manually respond to booking requests, it boosts your chances of reaching that target.
The downsides of Instant Book
Despite these advantages, there are downsides to consider. The most significant drawback is that Instant Book reduces your control over who stays at your property. Many hosts prefer to carefully review a potential guest’s profile, references, and reviews before accepting a booking. Instant Book eliminates this step, meaning you may not have the chance to assess whether a guest is a good fit for your space before they make a reservation.
In addition to this, some hosts like to receive a personal message from potential guests explaining the purpose of their stay. Instant Book reduces this level of interaction, potentially leading to more cancellations or misunderstandings between guests and hosts. Without engaging with the host before booking, guests may feel less committed to the stay, which could result in more frequent cancellations.
Who should use Instant Book?
There are two main schools of thought on whether to use Instant Book. For new Airbnb listings, Instant Book is often recommended because it increases the chances of being found in Airbnb’s system. If your listing lacks reviews, Instant Book can also make it more appealing to potential guests by offering a convenient, hassle-free booking experience.
If you’re aiming to make Airbnb a passive income stream and treat it more like a business, Instant Book is especially useful because it reduces the time you need to spend managing bookings.
Hosts who live close to their Airbnb property, such as those renting out a granny flat or an apartment in the same building, may also find Instant Book less risky. Even if a guest isn’t an ideal fit, the proximity allows you to keep a close eye on the situation, and the guest is less likely to significantly disrupt your daily life.
Who should avoid Instant Book?
On the other hand, if you prefer to vet your guests before allowing them to stay, Instant Book might not be the best choice. Some hosts like to ensure that the guest’s personality and expectations align with the space they’re offering, which Instant Book makes difficult.
If your Airbnb has shared spaces, like a communal kitchen or bathroom, it’s particularly important to ensure compatibility between you and your guests. Without the ability to review their profile beforehand, you might find yourself hosting someone who isn’t well-suited to your setup.
Additionally, if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of someone potentially booking and arriving at your property within a short time frame, Instant Book may not be for you. While Airbnb does have some controls to prevent immediate arrivals, many travellers who use Instant Book are seeking that level of convenience and flexibility.
A tip for using Instant Book
If you decide to use Instant Book, keep in mind that it doesn’t mean you have no control over who stays at your property. Airbnb allows you to set conditions for guests, such as requiring them to have provided a government ID or to have been recommended by other hosts.
These settings can help ensure a certain level of security and protect your property. For additional peace of mind, you might want to look into installing surveillance cameras, especially if you have concerns about safety or security.
Summary
In conclusion, while Instant Book can significantly improve your Airbnb’s visibility and simplify your hosting experience, it’s not without its challenges. Hosts should weigh the potential benefits—like higher search rankings and reduced workload—against the downsides, such as reduced control over guest selection.
It’s often a good idea to start with a trial period, enabling Instant Book with strict guest requirements, and adjust your settings based on your experience. This way, you maintain some control while optimising the efficiency of your hosting system.
