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Airbnb now lets users pay in two instalments

Lauren Kate Rawlins
By Lauren Kate Rawlins, ITWeb digital and innovation contributor.
Johannesburg, 17 Jan 2018
Airbnb now lets users pay for their accommodation in two instalments.
Airbnb now lets users pay for their accommodation in two instalments.

App-based hospitality booking service Airbnb has introduced a feature called Pay Less Up Front, which lets users pay half when they book and the rest when they check-in.

Previously, guests had to pay the total cost of their stay when making the booking online in order to confirm their reservation. Now only part of the cost will be required on the day of the booking.

"We understand it can be difficult to pay for all of your holiday upfront, especially in January when the purse-strings have to be held particularly tight. That's why we've introduced our new feature which allows you to get holidays booked in advance - to make sure you don't lose out when it comes to annual leave - then make the main payment for your holiday closer to your actual trip," Airbnb says in a statement.

The company says the new feature will also benefit hosts, as guests are likely to book their trips with more notice if they are able to stagger their payment.

Pay Less Up Front will be available to most guests via the payment page when making their booking. To be eligible for the feature, minimum spend is $250 (R3 000) and the booking must be made at least 14 days prior to check-in.

Since cancellation policies vary per host on the platform, the date of the final payment will be different for every booking.

Connected travel

Meanwhile, a new app targets travellers who prefer to book holidays through tour companies than organise it themselves through services like Airbnb.

The Travel Corporation (TTC) has launched the My Travel Portal app for customers, who have booked a holiday through Trafalgar, Contiki, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold or CostSaver, to chat to their fellow travellers and share pictures of the experience.

TTC claims this is a world-first in the travel industry. The digital platform features a chat facility to connect with the travel director and fellow travellers, a travel journal, a place to share plans and photos, e-documentation storage, easy hotel check-in, and the ability to send ahead dietary requirements to the next hotel.

Theresa Szejwallo, TTC MD for South Africa, says: "In a world where connectivity is the new normal, we are very aware of the need to create an end-to-end travel solution from booking to post-trip, that would serve our guests well at every touchpoint."

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