Should You Use Airbnb Instant Book? Pros, Cons, and Tips for Hosts
If you’ve ever hovered over the “Instant Book” toggle in your Airbnb dashboard, you’re not alone. Many hosts debate whether turning it on will open the door to more bookings… or more headaches. Instant Book can make your listing more attractive to guests who value speed and convenience, but it also means giving up a layer of control over who stays in your property. In this article, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and practical tips so you can decide if Instant Book is the right move for your short-term rental business. After going over this objective information, I’ll share my personal experience.
Pros of Using Instant Book
1. Higher Visibility in Search Results
Airbnb tends to prioritize listings with Instant Book enabled, so you may get more bookings and appear higher in search rankings.
2. Faster Bookings = Less Back-and-Forth
No need to review each guest manually. Guests can book instantly, which saves time and appeals to last-minute travelers.
3. Filters In Your Favor
Many guests filter only for Instant Book listings. If you don’t enable it, you could be missing out on bookings from this group.
4. Airbnb Protection Still Applies
You can still cancel penalty-free if:
- The guest has poor reviews
- You feel uncomfortable for any reason
- They break house rules or your criteria
Cons of Using Instant Book
1. Less Control Over Who Stays
You don’t get to vet guests before they book. For some hosts, especially with high-end or sensitive properties, this can be risky.
2. Increased Risk of Rule-Breakers
Instant Book can attract guests who don’t read rules or send messages in advance, which could mean more issues or misunderstandings.
3. Can Be Stressful Without Strong Systems
If your calendar isn’t always up to date or you don’t have automated check-in systems, Instant Book can catch you off guard.
Best of Both Worlds: How to Use Instant Book Smartly
If you’re open to using it but want some guardrails, here’s what you can do:
- Set Guest Requirements: Require verified ID, positive reviews, and profile photo.
- Use House Rules Strategically: Guests must agree before booking (make sure yours are clear and specific).
- Block prep days before/after bookings to give yourself time.
- Enable messaging automations for things like check-in instructions, house rules, etc.
Final Verdict
| You Should Use Instant Book If… | You Might Skip It If… |
|---|---|
| You want more bookings | You want full control |
| You’re local or use co-hosts | You have high-value items or complex rules |
| You’ve automated your systems | You’re just getting started or cautious |
My Experience with Instant Book
Several years ago I had Instant Book “on.” I did end up turning it off after a year or so. In reflection (about 6 years later!) one of the levers I could have “pulled” instead of turning Instant Book off is increasing the minimum night stay. My goal in using Instant Book was to increase bookings and make the booking process easier and more predictable for guests.
What I experienced that ultimately caused me to stop using Instant Book wasn’t so cut and dry… it was a combination of three things:
- guest booking instantly
- one night stay
- last minute booking, often day before check in
- and the guest’s profile stating that they lived in a nearby city (within about 30 miles)
And I found these guests were either awesome or awful. By “awesome” I mean they only used the bed and bathroom. Literally touched nothing else, didn’t even sit on the couch as far as I could tell. And another time, the guest arrived at check in time (4pm), then a second vehicle with one occupant arrived about an hour later, and by 8pm they had both departed, not to return again. Suspicious, but very easy for turning over then next day!
More often the guests booking under the circumstances I noted above, left the property a mess. So, I ended up not only turning Instant Book off, I also increased to a 2 night minimum. Ever since (about 5 years) I have only had a couple of bad guests. Have I lost a few reservations? Maybe. And I’m totally ok with that – the unpredictability (rather, maybe it was too predictable!) and extra mess to clean up wasn’t worth the one night of income.
Bottom line
Instant Book can boost your visibility and simplify your life (if you’re ready for it!) Many experienced hosts swear by it once they build systems and safeguards into their process.
At the end of the day, whether you enable Instant Book depends on your hosting style, property type, and comfort level with guest screening. Some hosts swear by the extra visibility and steady stream of bookings, while others prefer a more hands-on approach. The good news is, Airbnb gives you the flexibility to turn it on or off at any time, so you can experiment, learn, and adjust as you go. By understanding both the upsides and the pitfalls, you’ll be better equipped to optimize your listing and thrive as a host.
What’s your experience with instant book?
