Airbnb enhances price transparency, reduces checkout chores

Airbnb is revamping its pricing and checkout experience.

“I’ve heard you loud and clear - you feel like prices aren’t transparent and checkout tasks are a pain,” Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky tweeted on Monday. “That’s why we’re making four changes.”

Starting in December, the platform will begin rolling out the option to display “total price” in countries that don't already have price display requirements.

“When you turn this on, you’ll see the total price before taxes in search results, as well as on the map, price filter and listing page. You can also view a full price breakdown with Airbnb’s service fee, discounts and taxes,” Chesky says.

Second, Airbnb is prioritizing “total price” instead of nightly price in its search-ranking algorithm. High-quality listings with the best total prices will rank higher in search results, according to the company.

“We started as an affordable alternative to hotels, and affordability is especially important today,” Chesky says. “During this difficult economic time, we need to help our hosts provide great value to you.”

Third, starting in early 2023, Airbnb will provide hosts with new pricing and discounting tools to help them understand the final price guests pay and how to set competitive prices.

Lastly, Airbnb is now advising hosts on which household chores they should ask guests to complete at checkout. The company is also asking hosts to display chore requests before guests book.

“You shouldn’t have to do unreasonable checkout tasks, such as stripping the beds, doing the laundry or vacuuming. But we think it’s reasonable to turn off the lights, throw food in the trash and lock the doors - just as you would when leaving your own home,” Chesky says.

“If hosts have checkout requests,” he adds, “they should be reasonable and shown to you before you book.”

These announcements come on the heels of Airbnb’s most profitable quarter ever .

In June, the short-term rental company launched a product designed to help keep solo travelers safe.