Airbnb Is Addressing Hidden Fees With Its New Total Price Display Update (2024)

Airbnb announced on May 3 that it's rolling out a substantial update to the application. Dubbed the “Airbnb 2023 summer release,” the refresh is introducing 50-plus upgrades, the most prominent two being fee-inclusive pricing and an “Airbnb Rooms” feature that aims to make it easier and safer to rent a single room when you're on vacation. Read on for more details about the app's summertime makeover.

Increased transparency

Airbnb's base of users has long been requesting more transparent pricing. In recent years, Airbnb has been criticized for having high hidden fees pop up and surprise users upon check-out, with multitudes of travelers taking to social media to gripe about their disappointments and frustrations.

In the forthcoming update, Airbnb is addressing the issue by rolling out a “display total price” button. When you toggle it, all prices listed across the app—whether in cost-filtered search results, on maps, or on one-off property pages—are calculated to include fees (but exclude taxes).

Hopefully, this alteration will help smooth out travelers' accommodations search—and minimize the fear of getting emotionally attached to a dreamy beach house rental that unexpectedly surpasses your budget.

Transparency is a major theme throughout this update. In an effort to resolve another issue users have had with Airbnb as of late—being sprung with lengthy lists of chores upon check-out, even when fronting an already-high cleaning bill—check-out instructions and requirements will now be more visible.

While browsing rentals, travelers will have access to check-out instructions on each property's listing page, and can read the terms and conditions before they punch in their credit cards digits. They'll also be pinged with a reminder about the check-out instructions at the end of the trip. Lastly, after it's all over during the review process, guests will be able to report any unreasonable check-out requests—and listings with high volumes of complaints about check-out will be removed from Airbnb.

Improved single-room rentals

With many travelers looking to do so more affordably these days, the company is going back to its roots with the launch of “Airbnb Rooms.” Users can now browse a curated collection of a million private bedrooms for rent around the world. The launch also includes the release of “Host Passports,” profiles that share greater details on the identities and personalities of hosts, and greater transparency about privacy features (like locks) on listing pages. We're eyeing a few of the rooms below:

Airbnb Is Addressing Hidden Fees With Its New Total Price Display Update (2024)

FAQs

Airbnb Is Addressing Hidden Fees With Its New Total Price Display Update? ›

In the forthcoming update, Airbnb is addressing the issue by rolling out a “display total price” button. When you toggle it, all prices listed across the app—whether in cost-filtered search results, on maps, or on one-off property pages—are calculated to include fees (but exclude taxes).

What are the two huge complaints Airbnb is addressing? ›

Airbnb is addressing two huge complaints: Hidden fees and chores.

Are there hidden fees in Airbnb? ›

Airbnb has announced it is scrapping its hidden 'junk fees', which will instead now be included in the cost advertised up-front. This will allow users to search according to the overall price, rather than have to wait until they've clicked on the listing to find out the total cost.

Is Airbnb changing fees? ›

However, after the 7th December 2021, the host service fee will switch to 15%. More of, early switching will give you access to benefits such as improved guest visibility and competitive pricing.

Why are Airbnb fees so high now? ›

With the high inflation, hosts spend more on utilities, maintenance, property taxes, and other overheads for running these accommodations. As a result, hosts have to adjust their prices upwards to cover the increased costs and still make some profits.

Why are people leaving Airbnb? ›

Less Certainty of Income

On the other hand, with Airbnb, your income is sporadic and less predictable, which is another reason many people quit. After all, it's hard to budget and plan for expenses when you're unsure of what your income will be for a certain month.

Did Airbnb get rid of cleaning fees? ›

The plan doesn't actually eliminate cleaning fees. Instead, it's meant to prevent users from seeing an unexpected price jump just before check-out — arguably the more frustrating issue. Skift Global Forum was held in New York City on September 26-28, 2023. Read coverage of the event at the link below.

How to avoid hidden fees on Airbnb? ›

Can you get rid of the Airbnb service fee? Yes, there are many tips and tricks that can help you get rid of the Airbnb service fees. These tips include Booking the property Directly with the Host and Booking the property from another online travel agency website.

How do I avoid ridiculous cleaning fees on Airbnb? ›

The best way to go about this is to message the host and simply ask if they would be willing to refund some or all of the cleaning fee after your stay if you provide your own sheets and linens. It doesn't take much extra effort, and you would be surprised that hosts are pretty flexible when it comes to this.

How do I avoid extra fees on Airbnb? ›

The best way to get out of this cycle of endless fees is to shop around and book your stay somewhere else. Fortunately, many hosts list their properties on a few different sites, and if you compare them, you might secure a better deal.

What is the 15% host fee on Airbnb? ›

Hosts pay 3% of the total payout (unless they have listings in Italy or have super strict cancellation policies – in which case they pay more) and guests are charged a service fee between 13-20%. No service fee is visible to the guest, so how much does Airbnb take? Hosts usually pay 15% of the total payout.

How much of a cut does Airbnb take? ›

Airbnb charges hosts a service fee for each booking. What percentage Airbnb takes can vary, but it's typically around 3% for most hosts. However, Airbnb's commission can go up to 14% or more for hosts who have a Super Strict cancellation policy.

Who sets the Airbnb service fee? ›

How the amount is calculated. The amount of the service fee is calculated from the price that hosts set for their experience. Guests who are browsing experiences are shown the total price that they'll pay to book. No other service fees are charged to guests at this time.

What is the most expensive thing on Airbnb? ›

Price per night: $60,000

Musha Cay, owned by illusionist David Copperfield, reigns as the world's most expensive Airbnb at $60,000 per night. This luxurious private island offers a 10,000-square-foot residence with 12 bedrooms and 13.5 bathrooms, along with additional homes for larger groups.

Why do some Airbnbs have no cleaning fee? ›

Keeping cleaning fees affordable

While Hosts maintain the ability to choose their own cleaning fees, we do offer tips to Hosts on keeping the amount reasonable, and suggest they consider not charging cleaning fees at all. To that end, among active Airbnb listings globally, 45 percent do not charge a cleaning fee.

Do you have to clean Airbnb before leaving? ›

Details of the ground rules

Cleanliness: Guests should not leave the listing in a state that requires excessive or deep cleaning (moldy dishes, soiled carpets, stains from pets, etc.). Cleaning fees set by Hosts are only meant to cover the cost of standard cleaning between reservations (laundry, vacuuming, etc.).

What are the problems with Airbnb hosts? ›

Problems After Your Guests Leave
  • Your Property Has Been Damaged. One of the worst possible Airbnb problems you could face after a guest checks out is finding damage to your rental property, whether accidental or intentional. ...
  • Misplaced/Stolen Household Items. ...
  • Guest Left a Bad Review. ...
  • Broken Amenities.
Apr 21, 2023

Why is Airbnb losing customers? ›

“Over the past few months, supply has increased to catch up to and even overtake demand growth, pushing occupancy down as bookings are spread across more properties.” This is due in part to the number of wealthier homebuyers who purchased a second home since the start of the pandemic.

Does Airbnb take complaints seriously? ›

Airbnb provides a Neighborhood Support platform for concerned neighbors that allows them to report any issues online whether it is from excessive noise, parties, uneasy personal safety, etc. If the neighbor reports your Airbnb listing, Airbnb will then evaluate the situation and contact the host of the listing.

What does Airbnb do with complaints? ›

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.

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