What is Airbnb
Founded in 2008 in San Francisco, Airbnb has established itself as a trusted online platform for listing, discovering, and booking unique accommodations in over 65,000 cities and 191 countries.
Airbnb not only connects people with accommodations but also offers unique travel experiences. With 19 customer service offices worldwide and a growing community, it has become a simple and powerful tool to monetize spaces and reach travelers of all kinds.
The most popular destinations include the United States, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Portugal. Common plans among customers include city getaways, beach vacations, ski trips, and rural stays.
Connect your business with Airbnb and make the most of the platform
When managing tourist accommodations, being present on Airbnb is almost essential: it is one of the largest and most recognized platforms in the world. In addition to helping you reach millions of travelers, it allows you to give visibility to your space, build trust, and facilitate bookings with a simple and secure system.
In this article, you will find key information to understand what Airbnb is, how its commission model works, and what you should consider before connecting your account through your Channel Manager.
Before connecting to Airbnb
Before starting the integration with your Channel Manager:
Create an Airbnb account.
If you already work with the portal, you can connect it directly.Review local regulations.
Some cities impose restrictions on short-term rentals, which can affect your operation.
How Airbnb's commission works
Each time you receive a booking, Airbnb applies a service fee that is calculated on the subtotal (before taxes and fees) and is automatically deducted.
There are different commission models:
Flexible, Moderate, or Strict Policy
3% commission. You receive payment 24 hours after the guest's arrival.Super Strict Policy
5% commission. Payment is made 30 or 60 days before arrival. If the guest cancels before that date, 50% is refunded, and you keep the rest.Simplified fee (since December 2020)
For accounts connected via Channel Manager, Airbnb removed the guest fee. The host assumes a 15% per booking, making advertisements more attractive to travelers.
👉 Pay attention to the details: this change applies globally but does not include agencies with the majority of accommodations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Argentina, Taiwan, and Uruguay.
Benefits of the new fee for hosts
Airbnb ensures that travelers prefer listings without "service fees." For property managers, this model offers greater control over the final published price and avoids confusion in the booking process.
Common mistakes to avoid
Not reviewing local laws before listing your accommodations.
Forgetting to update prices when changing the commission structure.
Assuming all cities allow short-term bookings.
Quick checklist
Airbnb account created
Local regulations reviewed
Cancellation policy defined
Prices adjusted according to the commission
Channel Manager connected
Frequently asked questions
What if I already have an Airbnb account?
You can connect it directly through your Channel Manager without needing to create a new one.
When will I receive my payments?
It depends on the cancellation policy: usually, 24 hours after the guest's arrival, unless you choose the "Super Strict" option.
Who pays the commission?
With the simplified fee, the host pays 15%, and the guest does not see any extra service charge.
Are all bookings immediate?
Yes, Airbnb processes all bookings as "Instant Book."
Can I list in any city?
No. Some locations have regulations that limit or prohibit short-term rentals.
Additional resources
In summary
Connecting your business to Airbnb not only opens the door to millions of travelers but also simplifies the management of your bookings and helps improve your guests' experience. Now that you know how its commission model works and what steps to follow, the next move is clear: integrate your account into the Channel Manager and start leveraging the full potential of Airbnb.