Split the Cost of Airbnb with Your Group

Traveling with a group can be a rewarding bonding experience, except when it comes to expenses. Sometimes it feels like hiring an accountant to figure out how to divide all the meal, drink and accommodation costs involved in group trips is the best solution. Depending on who you travel with, it can take eons to collect payment from all travelers involved: According to an Airbnb-led survey of 2,000 U.S. travelers, 43 percent noted they lost up to $1,000 in payments from travel mates. In an effort to improve this part of the group travel experience, Airbnb now can take one of these calculations off the table: lodging.

Based on a survey of Airbnb users conducted by the home-sharing company in 2017, travelers expressed a strong desire for a group payment feature that would allow members of a group to divide costs among each member. In late November, Airbnb launched its new “split pay tool.” First, a user makes the reservation, after which he can send a payment link to other group members so they can pay as well.

Airbnb keeps the reservation on hold until every group member has paid, which comes with a deadline of 72 hours. If a group member does not pay, the reservation is canceled and group members who have paid will receive a refund. The group organizer can see who has and hasn’t paid via the Your Trips section on the website. Keeping tabs on Airbnb payments is the first step in ensuring a seamless and collaborative vacation.