Airbnb cracks down on bookings ahead of Memorial Day

Anyone hoping to book a quick getaway over Memorial Day or Fourth of July weekends will find it is a little more difficult this year.

The company announced new policies heading into the popular summer travel season.

The changes will impact both travelers looking for cheaper, and more unique, options as well as homeowners hoping to make a little extra cash.

Airbnb said the changes are necessary to help increase safety and reduce on the number of large, loud parties that are sometimes held at rentals across the country.

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The company’s latest move prevents anyone from booking an entire Airbnb rental for just 1-night or 2-nights. The policy will be in place over Memorial Day weekend and Fourth of July weekend. Other popular travel dates may also eventually be included.

Airbnb said it uses technology and other help to flag what are described as “high risk” bookings.

The company looks for short stays in popular locations that may be close to where the person making the reservation lives. There are also many other criteria that go into the decision, according to Airbnb.

Anyone who is prevented from booking an entire home will have the option to book a private room or hotel room on Airbnb instead.

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Airbnb said it used a similar policy for the same two summer holiday weekends last year. The restriction prevented more than 67,000 people from booking Airbnbs across the US. It also used the policy for Halloween.

In addition to a blackout on short bookings, Airbnb also turned to new AI technology options to help stop celebrations at Airbnb rentals on New Year’s Eve.

The company said since it began looking at policies like these in 2020, reports of large parties have dropped nearly 50-percent.

Airbnb also launched a Neighborhood Support Hotline which allows people living near a listed Airbnb direct access to the company if something concerning happens.

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There is a 24-hour Safety Line for hosts and guests to use to report issues to the company.

The company also offers free noise sensors for hosts and a dedicated channel for law enforcement agencies to use when responding to urgent complaints.

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