Airbnb have joined the list of companies contacting me to explain the measures they are taking with regard to the coronavirus crisis.
From today, it will not be possible to book a stay on Airbnb in the UK during the current lockdown period. This includes all bookings which start on or before April 18th 2020. Airbnb have also contacted all customers with existing bookings, reminding them not to travel unless it is essential. Guests with bookings made before March 14 that fall between March 14 and May 31 are able to claim a full refund.
Bookings made as part of the Frontline Stays programme - free stays for NHS and other medical staff and paid or subsidised stays for other essential stays and key workers - will not be affected by these. Accommodation used for this purpose is checked to make sure it meets hygiene and safety standards.
Further steps include:
- Providing guests and hosts with up-to-date travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
- Applying extenuating circumstances policies globally, to allow travellers to claim refunds.
- Creating in-app reminders about restrictions in the UK, for people to view before they attempt to make any bookings with Airbnb.
Airbnb's full response is available as a PDF at the bottom of this page.