Airbnb activates anti-party tech for Halloween
Airbnb announced it will reactivate its “anti-party” system across the United States and Canada for Halloween weekend, as part of efforts to curb unauthorized gatherings and support hosts.
This is the fifth consecutive year the company has deployed the technology to prevent large, disruptive events.
The system uses machine learning to analyze booking patterns for entire homes during the holiday, flagging reservations that may pose a party risk. Factors include length of stay, timing, distance from the guest’s residence and property type.
“Higher risk booking attempts will be blocked,” the company said, noting that guests may instead choose listings such as private rooms where a host is present.
Last year, about 38,000 people across the U.S. and 260 in Puerto Rico were dissuaded from booking entire homes over the Halloween weekend because of these measures. Since Airbnb introduced its global ban on disruptive parties in 2020, the company said reports of party incidents have fallen by more than 50%.
The company is also reminding adults not to book listings for younger users or others who will not be staying with them.
“Third-party bookings are prohibited on Airbnb,” the release stated, adding that accounts could be suspended or banned for violations.
Those found responsible for damages may face financial consequences, and canceled reservations could affect future bookings.
Airbnb said its Halloween controls are part of its broader strategy to promote responsible travel, which includes a neighborhood support line, a 24-hour safety hotline, reservation screening tools and noise sensors to help hosts prevent problems before they escalate.
