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.
Why this matters for property managers
Keeping approval in the operator's hands adds a filter against risky reservations, but every hour of delay risks losing the guest to a listing that confirms instantly. The trade-off is control versus conversion, and slow or inconsistent responses can also weigh on search visibility. Clear screening criteria and fast decisions let this flow protect the property without quietly costing bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between request to book and instant book?
Does using request to book hurt my ranking on Airbnb?
When should a host use request to book instead of instant book?
Can I use instant book with screening requirements?
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