Cover Airbnb’s latest update takes its Experiences platform beyond booking, adding new ways for travellers to connect and share their journeys (Photo: Saeka Shimada/Airbnb)
Airbnb’s latest update takes its Experiences platform beyond booking, adding new ways for travellers to connect and share their journeys (Photo: Saeka Shimada/Airbnb)
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Airbnb adds social features to its Experiences platform, letting guests connect before, during and after trips
Airbnb is expanding how travellers use its Experiences platform, introducing new social features designed to help guests connect before, during and after their trips. The update allows users to see who else has booked the same experience, start conversations with fellow participants and keep in touch through a new “Connections” section that appears on their profile. It’s part of a wider refresh that also brings smarter search filters, improved maps, more flexible payment options and updated host tools. Launched ahead of the winter travel season, the rollout reflects Airbnb’s focus on community as much as convenience.
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For travellers seeking connection and flexibility
The company says that more than 70 per cent of respondents in a recent survey expressed interest in knowing more about other guests before booking an experience. In response, the new social features for Airbnb Experiences include a “Who’s going” view that shows participants and their locations (for those who opt in), direct messaging within the app to reconnect after an event and a “Connections” tab where past contacts are listed for easy follow-up. Privacy settings allow users to choose whether their profile is shared and who can contact them.
Beyond the social tools, the platform is also introducing smarter search carousels that show homes beyond a user’s original criteria, as well as upgraded map filters, which will soon display landmarks and transit lines. A “Reserve Now, Pay Later” option has also been launched for users in the United States, with a global rollout expected. On the host side, Airbnb is testing dynamic cancellation policies for specific dates and updating its earnings dashboard, slated for release in 2026.
Above Airbnb Experiences gets a social upgrade, inviting guests to connect with fellow travellers before, during and after their adventures (Photo: Paz Olivares Droguett/Airbnb)
Airbnb Experiences gets a social upgrade, inviting guests to connect with fellow travellers before, during and after their adventures (Photo: Paz Olivares Droguett/Airbnb)
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The addition of these features signals a shift in how Airbnb is positioning itself. The platform first became known for matching travellers with hosts offering unique stays. Now, the company appears to be emphasising the communal side of travel—moving from simply “where” and “what” to “who”. The rollout remains cautious: all participation is voluntary, and messaging stays within the app, with hosts maintaining full control.
For travellers, the change introduces new possibilities. It allows users to see who they might share an experience with before committing to a booking, meet others with similar interests and maintain contact beyond the event. For hosts and local providers, it could attract guests who value connection as part of their travel experience.
Notably, the update applies only to Airbnb Experiences, not stays. The Reserve Now, Pay Later option is still limited by region, and some updates will arrive gradually. For travellers looking to connect with others through shared interests, the latest Airbnb update offers new ways to do so—before, during and after the journey.
Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
