Six ways to get last-minute bookings

Even the most popular listings have unexpected openings sometimes. Consider these six tips for attracting last-minute bookings and maximizing your earnings.

Last-minute discounts help give guests an incentive to book. They apply to reservations booked 1 to 28 days before check-in.

For discounts of 10% or more off your 60-day median price, guests see a special callout on your listing page and in search results. Your discounted price appears alongside your original one, which is crossed out.

To add a last-minute discount:

• Go to the Pricing tab in your listing’s calendar.
• Under More discounts, open Last-minute discounts.
• Enter the number of days before arrival, between 1 and 28.
• Enter the percentage discount you’d like to offer.

You can adjust the discount based on when reservations are booked, raising it incrementally as the date gets closer, for example. 

Note that this discount isn’t available when Smart Pricing is turned on.

Guests looking for impromptu getaways may have only a day or two to travel. Lowering your minimum trip length gives them the option to book shorter stays, and that helps you reach last-minute travelers. 

 To lower your trip minimum:

• Go to the Availability tab in your listing’s calendar.
• Tap Minimum nights under Trip length.
• Edit the minimum trip length to the number of nights that works for you.

Airbnb’s compare similar listings tool can help you set a competitive price for unbooked nights. Check the average prices of similar listings in your area for the same dates and consider adjusting your nightly rate. 

To compare similar listings:

• Go to the Pricing tab in your listing’s calendar.
• Select a date range of up to 31 days.
• Tap View similar listings.

A map of your area will show average prices of similar listings nearby, based on factors like location, size, and amenities. Use the buttons on the map to show booked or unbooked listings.

“I’m always checking that my pricing is competitive, so I want to see how much other hosts in my area are getting per night,” says Felicity, a Host Advisory Board member and Superhost in New South Wales, Australia.

Temporarily dropping your price for unbooked nights can encourage guests to book your home. Listings with prices lower than other similar listings nearby tend to rank higher in search results. You can always adjust your price again later as you welcome more guests and to meet your earnings goals.

Consider letting guests book closer to check-in to help fill your calendar during low season. You can choose a lead time as short as the same day, depending on how much time you need between a guest’s booking and their arrival.

“I understand what it’s like to be traveling and need those accommodations last minute, so I don’t like to put a cap on when a person can send in a booking request,” says Myranda, a Superhost in Little Rock, Arkansas. “Even if there’s not someone booked for the very next day, I’ll make sure the space is clean and ready to go.”

To change your minimum lead time:

• Go to the Availability tab in your listing’s calendar.
• Open Advance notice.
• Select the number of days that works for you.

You can also allow requests with shorter notice than your minimum lead time. You’ll be prompted to review and approve these requests.

Reach out to your personal contacts through social media, email, or text, and let them know your home is available. Someone in your network might be inspired to book a spontaneous trip.

As with hosting any other stay, clear communication is key—perhaps especially for last-minute bookings. If a guest books a reservation with less than 48 hours to check-in, they can select a check-in time outside of your typical check-in window. If your listing is Instant Book, you’ll receive a booking inquiry. Be ready with clear check-in instructions, and let them know if you need more time between stays.

Hosts were paid for their participation in interviews.

Information contained in this article may have changed since publication.