LinkedIn X Facebook Email Gift Decision Intelligence Photo Credit: Airbnb guests in Tepoztlán, Mexico. Airbnb
Airbnb says the temporary phone numbers are meant to protect privacy. But the change also makes it harder for property managers to turn Airbnb guests into direct bookers.
Starting October 30, Airbnb will issue temporary phone numbers to guests and to large hosts and property managers in the U.S. and Canada. Those hosts, who connect to Airbnb through property management software, will no longer see guests’ real phone numbers.
The temporary numbers work for calls and texts from the time of booking until two days after checkout, according to Airbnb's help center. After that, calls are routed to Airbnb support, which decides whether to share real numbers. Airbnb began using the system with a limited number of hosts and guests last December.
The temporary phone numbers apply when the host's listing is in the U.S. or Canada, both host and guest reside in those countries, and their phone numbers are registered there. For other reservations, API-connected hosts will be able to find their guests' phone numbers on Airbnb.
“We’re expanding temporary phone numbers to enhance user privacy and support safe interactions between
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Tags: airbnb , guests , hosts , online travel newsletter , property management