Two guests, the same Friday night, booked on two different sites five minutes apart. One of them arrives to find someone else's suitcase in the hall. Double bookings are every multi-platform host's nightmare, and almost always preventable. Here's how calendar syncing works, and where the free method lets you down.
What could your home earn?
Free and instant. Nobody rings you unless you ask them to.
Key takeaways
- Booking sites don't share calendars unless you connect them.
- iCal syncing is free, but updates can take from 15 minutes to 24 hours.
- iCal only shares blocked dates, not prices or messages.
- A channel manager updates availability within seconds.
- Use a channel manager if you're on three platforms or take lots of bookings.
Contents
Why do double bookings happen?
Because booking sites don't talk to each other. Hostfully puts it simply: neither platform knows the other exists. A booking on Airbnb doesn't close the same dates on Booking.com or Vrbo unless you connect them.
What is iCal syncing?
The free way to connect calendars. Each platform gives you a calendar link. You copy the link from one site and paste it into the others, so a booking on one blocks the dates on the rest. Rental Ninja lists the advantage plainly: Avoid overbookings at no cost.
Why can iCal still cause double bookings?
It isn't instant. Hostfully explains that iCal updates can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours depending on the platform. If a second guest books the same dates in that gap, you have a double booking. iCal also only shares blocked dates, not prices, messages or guest details.
What is a channel manager?
Software that connects directly to each platform. Instead of waiting for calendar links to refresh, a channel manager updates availability within seconds of a booking, and can manage prices and messages in one place too. Most professional managers use one.
Which should you use?
- One platform: no syncing needed.
- Two platforms, few bookings: iCal can work, but check your calendars often, especially after a booking.
- Three platforms, or a busy home: use a channel manager.
What should you do if a double booking happens?
- Contact both guests straight away.
- Honour the first booking, and help the second guest find somewhere comparable.
- Expect a cancellation penalty from the platform you cancel on.
- Fix the cause, so it doesn't happen again.
Would you rather someone else ran the platforms?
Every platform has its own calendar, inbox, fees and rules. Keeping them all in step, day and night, is a job in itself. That job is what we do, for 12% + VAT of what each booking earns. If your home doesn't earn, neither do we.
Frequently asked questions
How do I sync my Airbnb and Booking.com calendars?
Export the calendar link from each site and import it into the other, or use a channel manager.
Is iCal syncing instant?
No. Updates can take from 15 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the platform.
What is a channel manager?
Software that connects directly to each platform and updates availability within seconds.
What happens if I get a double booking?
You'll usually have to cancel one, which can bring a penalty from the platform.
Do I need a channel manager for two platforms?
Not always, but it's the safest option if you take lots of bookings.
Related guides
Sources
This is general information, not legal, financial, tax or insurance advice. Market figures are averages as of the date shown above and change every month. Speak to a qualified professional before you act on anything here.