US: Airbnb has introduced new social features for Airbnb Experiences, allowing guests to connect with one another before, during, and after their trip. The update forms part of a wider product rollout that includes enhanced search, flexible payment options, and expanded AI-powered customer support.
The new features mark Airbnb’s latest effort to position Experiences as a community-driven product, linking guests through shared activities. The “Who’s Going” feature shows where other booked guests are from before a trip, while direct messaging allows travellers to stay in touch through the app. A new “Connections” tab has also been added to users’ profiles to keep track of people they’ve met during Experiences.
Guests can control what information they share and how they appear to others, maintaining privacy within the app.
Beyond Experiences, Airbnb is introducing updates to improve booking flexibility. The company’s “Reserve Now, Pay Later” option, currently available in the US, will expand globally in 2026, enabling guests to reserve eligible stays with no upfront payment. Flexible search carousels will show listings with similar prices or amenities outside a user’s original search area, while new map tools highlight nearby attractions, restaurants, and landmarks.
Airbnb’s AI-powered support assistant is also being upgraded, with smarter automated responses and coverage in more languages and regions. Hosts, meanwhile, will gain access to dynamic cancellation policies, enhanced price tips, and a new performance dashboard to compare year-on-year earnings trends.
The updates coincide with a rise in searches for winter travel between December 2025 and February 2026, as Airbnb prepares for a busy holiday season.
Highlights
-
New social tools: Guests can now connect and message each other via Airbnb Experiences.
-
Reserve Now, Pay Later: Rolling out globally next year for $0 upfront bookings.
-
Smarter search + maps: Flexible carousels and new map filters show more stay options.
-
AI-powered support: Expanded across more countries and languages.
-
Host tools: Dynamic cancellation policies, new pricing insights, and an updated earnings dashboard launching in 2026.
