Why aren’t Airbnb blocked dates blocking VRBO calendar? This question has been on the minds of many property owners and travelers alike. As two of the most popular vacation rental platforms, Airbnb and VRBO have been competing for market share for years. One of the key features that both platforms offer is the ability to block dates on their calendars to prevent double bookings. However, it seems that Airbnb is not blocking its blocked dates on VRBO calendars, leading to confusion and potential conflicts. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this discrepancy and its implications for both hosts and guests.
The primary reason why Airbnb blocked dates are not being blocked on VRBO calendars is due to the lack of a direct integration between the two platforms. While both Airbnb and VRBO are part of the same parent company, Expedia Group, they operate as separate entities with their own systems and databases. This means that any changes made to a host’s calendar on one platform do not automatically reflect on the other.
This lack of integration can lead to several issues for property owners. For instance, if a host blocks a date on their Airbnb calendar, they may still receive inquiries or bookings for that date on VRBO. This can result in double bookings, which can be frustrating and damaging to the host’s reputation. Moreover, it can also lead to financial losses, as the host may have to cancel or refund a booking on one platform while accommodating the guest on the other.
On the other hand, guests may also face difficulties when trying to book a property on VRBO. If the host has blocked the dates on their Airbnb calendar, the guest may not be aware of this and could end up making a booking that is not available. This can lead to disappointment and a negative experience for the guest.
So, why isn’t there a direct integration between Airbnb and VRBO to ensure that blocked dates are synchronized across both platforms? One possible reason is the desire to maintain each platform’s independence and unique features. By not having a direct integration, Airbnb and VRBO can continue to compete and offer their own unique value propositions to users.
However, this lack of integration also raises concerns about the overall user experience and the reliability of the platforms. It is essential for both hosts and guests to have confidence in the availability of properties they are booking. To address this issue, there are a few potential solutions that could be implemented:
1. Manual Updates: Hosts can manually update their calendars on both platforms whenever they block a date on one of them. While this is not the most efficient solution, it can help prevent double bookings.
2. Third-Party Integration Tools: There are third-party tools available that can help synchronize calendars across different platforms. These tools can be a valuable resource for hosts who want to ensure their calendars are up-to-date on both Airbnb and VRBO.
3. Platform Collaboration: Airbnb and VRBO could work together to develop a more robust integration system that automatically syncs blocked dates across both platforms. This would provide a better user experience and reduce the risk of double bookings.
In conclusion, the lack of synchronization between Airbnb blocked dates and VRBO calendars is a concern for both hosts and guests. While there are no immediate solutions, it is crucial for the platforms to address this issue to ensure a seamless and reliable vacation rental experience. Until then, hosts and guests must remain vigilant and take extra precautions to avoid potential conflicts.
