Learn how reservation alteration requests work across different channels and what to expect when guests or hosts request changes to a booking.
Here is an outline of how reservation alteration flows work on Hostaway, broken down by channel, addressing whether you can create alterations and approve guest requests within the platform.
The general rule is that Airbnb and Booking.com alterations must be initiated and finalized on the OTA platform, while Vrbo alterations are primarily managed within Hostaway (for API-integrated listings).
Reservation Alteration Flow by Channel
| Action | Airbnb | Vrbo (API Integrated) | Booking.com |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can I create an alteration in Hostaway? | No. Host-initiated alterations (dates, listing, price) must be done directly on the Airbnb platform. | Yes. You can modify dates, guest count, and add fees directly in the Hostaway reservation details. | Partially. You can only modify the check-out date in Hostaway. To change the check-in date or extend the stay, you must use the Booking.com Extranet. |
| Can I approve a guest request in Hostaway? | No (Recommended). While Hostaway shows an "Alteration Requested" button in the Inbox, Airbnb's API limitations mean you often must approve/decline the request directly on the Airbnb platform. | Yes. Changes made in Hostaway automatically sync to Vrbo without requiring guest approval. | No. The guest request must be processed and accepted on the Booking.com Extranet first. |
| Sync Behavior | Once the alteration is accepted on Airbnb, the changes (dates, price) automatically sync back to Hostaway. | Changes made in Hostaway automatically sync to Vrbo. Hostaway automatically updates the cost, but you must manually collect any additional payment. | Once the alteration is made on the Booking.com Extranet, the changes automatically sync back to Hostaway. |
| Risk of Sync Break | High. Moving an Airbnb reservation from one listing to another within Hostaway will break the synchronization, preventing future alterations from working correctly. | High. Moving a Vrbo reservation between listings in Hostaway will break the sync. | High. Moving a Booking.com reservation between listings in Hostaway will break the sync. |
FAQs
1. Can I create reservation alterations in Hostaway?
- For Vrbo: Yes, you can create and apply most alterations (dates, guest count, fees) directly in the Hostaway reservation details, and the changes will sync to Vrbo.
- For Airbnb and Booking.com: No, you cannot initiate major alterations (like changing dates or listings) from Hostaway. You must use the respective OTA platform to create the alteration request.
2. Can I approve alteration requests from guests from Hostaway, or do I need to use the OTA?
This depends entirely on the channel:
- Vrbo: You should manage the alteration in Hostaway. Changes are automatically applied and synced to Vrbo without requiring the guest to accept a request via email.
- Airbnb: You should use the OTA (Airbnb). Although Hostaway displays an "Alteration Requested" button in the Inbox, Airbnb's API limitations mean that Hostaway cannot process the final approval, especially if the alteration involves a price change. The safest and most reliable method is to log in to your Airbnb host dashboard to accept or decline the request.
- Booking.com: You must use the OTA (Booking.com Extranet). All major modifications must be processed there