US: Airbnb is transitioning most hosts using property management software (PMS) to a single service fee structure next month, signalling a strategic move toward competing more directly with online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Booking.com and Expedia.
Under the new model, hosts will pay a 15.5 per cent service fee, replacing the previous split-fee system where guests also paid a separate service charge.
Airbnb maintains that the change will not affect its overall revenue from listings. Hosts who do not use PMS will continue with the split-fee structure.
Industry experts note that the shift effectively aligns Airbnb’s pricing with OTAs, making the platform “interchangeable” with traditional hotel booking channels.
By offering a clean, all-in price at checkout, Airbnb aims to streamline the booking experience, reduce mobile abandonment, and enable easier comparison with hotels.
The change reflects a broader strategic trajectory for Airbnb, as CEO Brian Chesky recently described hotels as a “great supplement” to the company’s home rental inventory.
Analysts suggest that the move may accelerate Airbnb’s growth in hotel listings while standardising policies, commissions, and pricing across its platform.
However, hosts face new challenges: by absorbing the full commission, pricing transparency shifts, hosts may need to justify higher rates to guests.
Experts have warned that while guests benefit from simplified pricing, hosts could feel the financial impact unless they adjust rates accordingly.
Despite potential concerns, some observers believe the change will ultimately enhance guest experience, bringing Airbnb in line with OTAs while creating opportunities for future loyalty programs, bundled offerings, and tiered visibility models.
Highlights:
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Airbnb is moving most PMS-connected hosts to a single service fee of 15.5 per cent, replacing the split-fee model for a more OTA-like pricing structure.
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The shift positions Airbnb to compete directly with online travel agencies such as Booking.com and Expedia.
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Guests will benefit from simplified, all-in pricing at checkout, reducing friction and improving mobile booking experiences.
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Hosts will absorb the service fee, creating potential pricing challenges while the platform standardises commissions and policies.
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The change signals Airbnb’s broader strategy toward hotel expansion, loyalty programs, and integrated travel offerings.
