Don’t expect large gatherings at an Airbnb anytime soon—the app just extended its party ban

In an effort to promote safety amid the coronavirus, Airbnb is continuing to promote a safer travel experience for users by continuing its global crackdown on parties. The houseshare app has extended its ban on any large gatherings and parties of 16 or more people through the end of August 2021. From there, the company will re-evaluate the safety risks and determine if the ban should continue.

Travel is beginning to pick up again and people still have health concerns. A majority of Airbnb hosts on the app already don’t allow parties in their homes, according to the company, but CEO Brian Chesky wants to continue being “good community players all over the world,” per a statement from Airbnb. While you may be eager to book the most wish-listed home on Airbnb, you may want to understand the updated policy before booking your next stay.

Right now, the global community is facing increases in variants of COVID-19, including the U.S., which the CDC has advised against traveling to certain states. While we’re antsy to explore new places, Airbnb still finds it in the “best of public health interest” to limit gatherings. For those who decide to go against these rules, the company already has technology and policies put in place to administer violations and penalities like permanent suspension of an account. 

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 Airbnb is even encouraging people to use the Neighborhood Support Line, a resource for neighbors of Airbnb Hosts to contact if they notice any safety concerns; which now includes large gatherings or possible parties occurring.

If you’re under 25-years-old, the app also restricts those in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, and Spain from booking an entire home locally—under certain circumstances.

In an effort to encourage responsible behavior, users will also find that the app removed the “event-friendly” search filter and has removed any “parties and events allowed” in the House Rules section on listings. So, if you were planning on booking a stay through Airbnb with a large group of friends or family members, you may have to rethink your travel arrangements.