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Airbnb Launches Opt-In Social Features for Experiences, Expands AI and Discovery Tools

The winter update signals a push beyond rentals following the May redesign, emphasizing user controls for new in-app interactions.

Overview

  • Guests booking an Experience can see attending names and hometowns, then request to message and manage contacts in a new Connections tab.
  • Sharing is per-experience opt-in via a booking pop-up that defaults to don't share if dismissed, and users can block, report or remove connections.
  • The AI assistant extends to users in the U.S., Mexico and Canada in English, Spanish and French, with tailored responses and action cards for tasks like cancellations or date changes.
  • Search now surfaces listings just outside filters through carousels for price, missing amenities and nearby locations, and Maps adds tappable points of interest with distance details.
  • Hosts gain date-specific cancellation policies, price tips up to a year out and an upgraded earnings dashboard starting next year, while Reserve Now, Pay Later is live in the U.S. with global rollout planned next year.