Airbnb Is Testing Lower Fees for Hosts Who Bring Their Own Guests

Skift Take Call it "direct booking" if you like, but the reservation still runs on Airbnb's platform. And Airbnb's take rate now seems variable. Airbnb is offering some hosts “direct booking links” that come with a reduced service fee, according to messages sent to hosts that were shared on Facebook groups for hosts and LinkedIn. Messages sent to some Airbnb hosts this week, titled "Share your link, get a lower fee," tell hosts that when guests book through those specific new links, the host service fee drops. The messages also say that "direct booking links are now available in your Listing editor.” The Process According to the Airbnb emails, links shared by hosts through social media and other channels like email and message boards are eligible for the reduced fee. Resulting bookings take place on Airbnb and keep Airbnb's usual benefits, including AirCover