Request to Book
Request to book (RTB) is an OTA booking setting in which a guest's reservation is not immediately confirmed but instead placed in a pending state for the host to review and either accept or decline, typically within 24 hours. This contrasts with instant book, where reservations are automatically confirmed without host approval. Hosts often use RTB for higher-value properties, to screen guests, or in markets where occupancy demand is strong enough that they can afford to be selective. Research from major platforms suggests that instant book listings receive significantly more bookings — often 20–30% more — than RTB equivalents, as guests increasingly expect frictionless booking experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between request to book and instant book?
With instant book, a guest's reservation is automatically confirmed the moment they complete the booking form, with no action required from the host. With request to book, the guest submits a reservation request that the host must manually review and accept or decline — typically within 24 hours — before the booking is confirmed. Instant book provides a frictionless experience that tends to generate more bookings, while request to book gives hosts more control over who stays in their property.
Does using request to book hurt my ranking on Airbnb?
Airbnb's algorithm favors instant book listings, and research consistently shows that switching from request to book to instant book increases booking rates by 20–30% or more for most properties. Request to book listings also risk ranking penalties if hosts decline requests frequently or fail to respond within the required response window. Hosts who require RTB for guest screening purposes should respond to every request promptly to minimize ranking impact.
When should a host use request to book instead of instant book?
Request to book makes the most sense for high-value or high-risk properties in markets with strong demand where the host can afford to be selective without losing significant revenue. Hosts managing unique or luxury properties, those in neighborhoods sensitive to party incidents, or operators in markets where STR regulations require documented guest identity verification before stay approval may benefit from RTB's pre-booking review capability. It is also useful during high-demand periods like local festivals when any booking will fill regardless of the friction.
Can I use instant book with screening requirements?
Yes — Airbnb and other platforms allow hosts to set prerequisite conditions for instant book, including requiring guests to have a verified government ID, a positive track record with no negative reviews, and agreement to house rules before the booking auto-confirms. These conditional instant book settings provide a middle ground between full instant book and RTB, maintaining booking conversion benefits while adding a basic layer of guest qualification. Third-party guest screening tools can also be integrated after an instant book reservation to flag high-risk bookings before the stay begins.
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