Airbnb has announced a change in policy that will now show the full cost of a rental upfront, including any hidden fees like cleaning and service charges. This update comes in anticipation of a new US Federal Trade Commission rule that will ban hidden fees starting next month. In the past, Airbnb has received criticism for advertising one price but adding on additional fees during the checkout process. While users could manually enable the “total price display” option for the past two years, now the full cost will be automatically displayed when browsing listings.
The decision to show the total cost of a rental upfront is a significant improvement for Airbnb users, as it eliminates the frustration of discovering additional fees after searching for and choosing a property. This move is in line with increasing transparency and fairness in the short-term rental industry, as customers will now have a clearer understanding of the total cost before making a booking. By implementing this change, Airbnb aims to enhance the user experience and build trust with its customers, addressing a common pain point that had previously caused dissatisfaction among renters.
The Federal Trade Commission rule banning hidden fees that is set to go into effect next month has likely played a role in Airbnb’s decision to make this change. By proactively displaying the total cost upfront, Airbnb is aligning itself with regulatory standards and showing a commitment to fair pricing practices. This move may also help Airbnb avoid future regulatory scrutiny and maintain a positive reputation in the marketplace. Overall, the decision to show the full cost of rentals upfront demonstrates Airbnb’s willingness to adapt to industry standards and prioritize customer satisfaction.
The option to turn on the “total price display” manually has been available for the past two years, but making it the default setting is a positive step towards improving transparency. By showing the full cost of a rental upfront, Airbnb is providing a more user-friendly experience for its customers and eliminating any potential confusion or frustration that may arise from hidden fees. This change is likely to be well-received by renters who value honesty and transparency in pricing when making decisions about accommodations, ultimately leading to increased trust and loyalty towards the platform.
Overall, Airbnb’s decision to automatically display the total cost of rentals upfront is a positive development for renters and the short-term rental industry as a whole. By eliminating hidden fees and promoting transparency in pricing, Airbnb is taking a proactive approach to addressing customer concerns and improving the user experience. This move aligns with regulatory standards and demonstrates Airbnb’s commitment to fair pricing practices and customer satisfaction. As the new US Federal Trade Commission rule banning hidden fees approaches, Airbnb’s decision to make this change reinforces its position as a leader in the short-term rental market and sets a positive example for other platforms in the industry.
