What is the difference between booking and request on Airbnb?

If you booked instantly, you're good to go. If you sent a request, your Host will typically respond within 24 hours. In the meantime, we may ask you to verify your identity—as this helps us to ensure the safety of our community.



The difference lies in the approval process. A "Booking" (often called Instant Book) allows a guest to confirm their stay immediately without waiting for the host's permission. If a listing has the lightning bolt icon, your credit card is charged and the dates are blocked as soon as you click "Book." A "Request to Book," on the other hand, is a manual process. When you submit a request, the host has 24 hours to review your profile, read your message, and decide whether to "Accept" or "Decline." Your payment is only authorized (not fully captured) until the host approves. In 2026, many hosts use "Request" to screen for specific house rules or to ensure the guest is a good fit for a unique property. For guests, "Instant Book" is much faster and more certain, while "Request" is the standard for high-end villas or hosts who are more selective about who stays in their private homes.

People Also Ask

The main difference between Instant Book and Request to Book lies in the booking process. With Instant Book, guests can book your listing immediately without waiting for your approval. With Request to Book, guests must send a booking request, which you can accept or decline within 24 hours.

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There are two ways to make a reservation on Airbnb: Request to Book and Instant Book. Request to Book requires the intervention of the host. Basically, a guest makes a request to book a listing and the host has 24 hours to accept the booking. They can also decline. If left unanswered, the booking expires.

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Payment. You'll be charged once a Host accepts your reservation request, or immediately if you use Instant Book. You may be able to split the total cost of your reservation across multiple payments if your reservation meets specific criteria, or you can pay the full amount in one go.

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The main difference between Instant Book and Request to Book lies in the booking process. With Instant Book, guests can book your listing immediately without waiting for your approval. With Request to Book, guests must send a booking request, which you can accept or decline within 24 hours.

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Reserving an Airbnb Without Payment: All You Need to Know
  1. Communicate with the Host.
  2. Book Well in Advance.
  3. Flexible Dates.
  4. Build an Established Airbnb Profile.
  5. Offer Security Deposits.
  6. Personalize Your Request.
  7. Flexible Refund Policies.
  8. Become a Repeated Guest.


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On the second payment due date, Airbnb Payments will automatically charge the original Payment Method you used to make the booking. Gift Cards and credits cannot be used for the second payment.

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Not a problem—here's how to handle it. Decline the request before it expires within 24 hours—your response rate will thank you! It's one of the factors that helps you become a Superhost. Decide whether to keep the dates blocked or open them up for someone else to book.

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Tips to avoid Airbnb scams
  1. Check your host's profile and look for anything odd, like requests to use payment systems outside Airbnb.
  2. Confirm you're renting a legal listing by using a reverse image search.
  3. Always remain on the Airbnb app or website when communicating with your host.


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Guest refunds Guests who cancel will receive an automatic refund if your cancellation policy permits it. Even if it doesn't, they may qualify for a refund under our Rebooking and Refund Policy, or if there's an extenuating circumstance.

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I would like to cancel my booking (including the reference number). Unfortunately, I will no longer be able to make this date/time. Please let me know when you receive this email and if my booking has been canceled. I apologize if this news causes disruption or inconvenience.

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If you decide to decline, the hold is removed, and your calendar is open for other requests. If you don't respond within 24 hours, the request is automatically declined.

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