Airbnb adds social networking features and smarter tools

Travel isn’t just about the destination — it’s also about the people you meet along the way. Yet, those connections often fade once the trip is over. To change that, Airbnb is introducing new social networking features to its Experiences platform, helping guests connect with one another before, during, and after their adventures.

As searches for winter getaways rise, Airbnb is also rolling out a suite of updates for both guests and hosts ahead of the busy holiday season. These include:

• Smarter search and enhanced points of interest to help travelers uncover hidden gems
• A new “Book Now, Pay Later” payment option
• Upgraded AI-powered customer support in more countries and languages
• Expanded tools for hosts to manage calendars and pricing more efficiently

Social Networking Comes to Airbnb Experiences

Airbnb Experiences have always been designed around people and shared activities. Now, the platform is taking this a step further with new social features that make it easier to stay connected with fellow travelers — not just during the trip, but long after it ends.

• See who’s joining – A recent survey found that more than 7 in 10 respondents want to know who else is joining an Experience before booking. With this update, guests can now view other participants and where they’re from before they confirm their spot.
• Direct messaging – Forgot to exchange contact details? No problem. You can now request to message other guests you met during an Experience directly through the Airbnb app, making it easy to stay in touch or plan another adventure together.
• Profile contacts – A new “Contacts” section in the Profile tab lets you see all the people you’ve met through Experiences, allowing you to reconnect with ease.

Importantly, Airbnb ensures users retain full control over what information they share. For every Experience, you can choose whether to make your profile visible, decide who can message you, and manage how you appear in other guests’ contact lists.

Smarter Search and More Flexible Payments

Airbnb is making it easier than ever to find the perfect stay — and pay for it the way that works best for you.

• Flexible carousels – When searching for accommodations, users will now see a broader range of suggestions beyond their initial filters. That means properties with similar prices, different amenities, or nearby locations at lower costs will appear, helping travelers discover options they might have otherwise missed.
• Enhanced maps – New interactive maps make it easier to explore nearby points of interest, from landmarks and attractions to restaurants and cultural sites. By tapping on a point of interest, guests can view a brief description and see the distance either from the property they’re viewing or from one they’ve already booked. Later this year, new map views — including satellite, street, and transit — will be introduced for a more personalized browsing experience.
• Book now, pay later – With this feature, guests can reserve eligible stays without paying upfront. Initially launched in the United States earlier this year, the option will expand globally next year for both domestic and international trips.

AI-Powered Customer Support Expands Globally

Airbnb’s AI assistant is becoming smarter and more widely available, providing faster, more personalized support for guests and hosts alike.

• More languages, more countries – The assistant now supports English, Spanish, and French, and is available in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
• Smarter responses – The AI can recognize your profile, bookings, and listings, allowing it to deliver quicker, context-aware assistance.
• Built-in actions – The chatbot now includes interactive cards that let users take direct actions from the chat window, such as canceling a booking, modifying dates, or checking reservation details.

New Tools and Flexibility for Hosts

Hosts are also getting a range of improvements designed to make managing listings and pricing easier than ever.

• Dynamic cancellation policies – Hosts can now set different cancellation rules for specific dates, such as peak holiday periods or off-season stays.
• Improved pricing suggestions – Airbnb will offer tailored pricing recommendations for dates up to a year in advance, which hosts can apply in one click.
• Updated earnings dashboard – Starting next year, hosts will have access to a redesigned earnings tab where they can track their annual income, monitor performance trends, and compare results across different seasons.