When to message your Host (2024)

FAQs

How long should I wait for my Airbnb host to respond? ›

Hosts have 24 hours to accept or decline your request, but the vast majority respond within 12 hours. Chances are, it'll be even quicker: More than half of all trip requests are accepted within one hour of the Host reading it.

After your trip or experience is confirmed

If you have an accepted reservation or confirmed experience, you can reach the Host by going to Trips, finding the reservation, and contacting the Host from there. If you have any co-travelers, you can invite them to join the reservation.

When it's a good idea to reach out. Before sending a trip request: You could send a pre-emptive hello or double-check that their place is available. If you have a question: You should be clear about what to expect. Just check the listing description to make sure the answer isn't already there.

If you are asking an initial inquiry hosts are encouraged to respond within the first hour. However most hosts respond within the first 12 hours. If you don't hear anything within the first 3 hours and your trip is approaching I would start contacting other hosts as well.

The host needs to respond to your request

If the host declines your request or doesn't respond within 24 hours, the booking status will be updated as "Declined" or "Expired," and your payment will be refunded to your original payment method.

If a Host isn't responding after a confirmed booking

When you have a confirmed reservation, your Host's phone number will show in the reservation details for your trip so you can open the Airbnb app and call them.

Hosts are asked to respond to reservation requests, booking inquiries, and all other messages from guests within 24 hours because quick responses build trust in our hosting community, making it easier for guests to find a place to stay.

Your safety and Airbnb experience are important, but we value your privacy too. We never review, scan, or analyze your messaging communications to send you third-party marketing messages. We don't sell reviews or analyses of these communications. Did this article help?

If you've read the listing details and you still have questions, you can message a Host to ask about availability, amenities, your specific needs, etc. Go to the listing and click or tap Contact Host to send a message.

Reasons why Hosts may decline reservation requests

Here are some common reasons why a Host may decline a request: Guest has no reviews or negative reviews. Hosts often rely on a guest's past reviews to gauge reliability and compatibility with their house rules. Special requests that the Host can't accommodate.

Should I greet my Airbnb guests? ›

No matter what kind of day you're having, always greet your guests with a smile when you welcome them to your Airbnb. Often they will have travelled far and be weary, so they'll appreciate a friendly face at the end of their journey. Consider offering them a cup of tea or cool drink.

Use the guest's name when responding. Thank all guests who leave Airbnb reviews — including negative feedback. Personalize your review responses with details. Apologize and take ownership when guests experience issues or express concerns.

After you submit a booking request, the host has 24 hours to accept or decline. If they don't respond, we'll automatically decline the request for you. If you haven't received a host response, try verifying that: You received an inquiry confirmation email from us.

Hosts are not allowed to have security cameras and recording devices that monitor any part of a listing's interior, such as the listing's hallway, bedroom, bathroom, living room, or guest house, even if they're turned off or disconnected. Hidden security cameras are strictly prohibited.

Encouraging guests to book longer stays could help you achieve higher occupancy with lower guest turnover and a more predictable income.

If a Host isn't responding after a confirmed booking

Find out more about contacting Hosts. If you're wondering about check-in details and instructions, you'll find them 48 hours before the check-in date on your reservation's itinerary page. If all communications fail, and you can't contact your Host, contact us.

You'll receive an automated acknowledgement of your email when we receive your complaint. An Airbnb case handler will be assigned to your complaint and will aim to make initial contact with you within 96 hours. We might ask you to provide more information about your complaint, or to submit supporting documents.

Your response rate and response time measure how quickly and consistently you respond to inquiries and reservation requests. You can find your response rate on your Dashboard under Stats. If you're using professional hosting tools, you can find the response rate under Requests.

While there isn't a time limit, responding to trip change requests quickly can help you avoid canceled reservations.