John Paul M. Joaquin Tech 05.03.2023 17:May PM EDT

Airbnb Launches New Features To Improve User Experience

Airbnb is listening to its users' feedback.

The company behind the popular room and board app recently announced it is releasing over 50 new features and upgrades to its app based on user feedback, adding many most-requested features into it.

Airbnb will roll out its app's new features and upgrades for guests and hosts starting this week, though Hosts can try them out earlier by enrolling in Airbnb Early Access.

Airbnb New Features Details

Airbnb mentioned in its announcement that it is releasing the features and upgrades based on user feedback in preparation for summer - an anticipated record-setting travel season when people tend to go on vacation to escape the summer heat, more often than not.

These features and upgrades are part of its newly taken design-driven approach that eventually changed everything about the app - from sign-up to checking out.

Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO, mentioned that its new approach means that the company is always making Airbnb better and that its new features and upgrades are just the beginning.

"We will never stop improving Airbnb," Chesky added.

These features include total price display, which shows users the total price with fees before taxes; this new feature will also show in search results, price filters, maps, and listing pages. Users can also view checkout instructions on the listing page before booking a place, thanks to the new feature called transparent checkout instructions.

Airbnb also added improved maps for faster and better performance and user experience, along with a significantly reduced guest service fee when a user stays in their lodgings for more than three months.

Users from the US and Canada now have the option to pay over time; users with bookings over $500 can apply to pay monthly instead of the six-week default for the new feature.

Last but not least is the creation of a 24/7 support team for priority access when users are on a trip to address their concerns in two minutes or less. Airbnb also added Instant rebooking credit for users whose hosts canceled their booking within 30 days of arrival, allowing them to rebook another stay immediately.

Airbnb Rooms

Aside from user-requested features and upgrades, Airbnb is also releasing a new offering called Airbnb Rooms, an all-new take on the original Airbnb formula, if the company is to be believed. It offers a more affordable to be on vacation than hotels and a more authentic way to experience what a city has to offer.

The offering comes with its own set of features that benefits both user and host alike. Host Passport helps Airbnb Rooms users know their potential host before booking their stay, such as where they went to school, what they do for work, and even fun facts about themselves.

The new offering also comes with its separate category on the app, making listing under it easier to discover, including access to shared spaces, like the kitchen, living room, or backyard.