Airbnb rolls out ‘anti-party restrictions’ for New Year’s Eve

LOS ANGELES - Airbnb is once again rolling out its "anti-party restrictions" for New Year’s Eve, aiming to reduce the risk of unauthorized and disruptive gatherings. These measures, implemented since 2020, use advanced technology to identify and block high-risk bookings for entire home listings.

Last year, nearly 74,000 people globally were blocked from booking homes for NYE, including 33,000 in the United States. Since the initiative's launch, the reported rate of NYE parties has dropped by over 60% in the regions where these measures are active.

How it works

Airbnb’s anti-party system uses machine learning to assess various risk factors:

• The length of the trip (one to three nights).
• The type of listing (entire home rentals).
• How far the guest’s location is from the listing.
• The timing of the reservation.

The company says if a booking is deemed higher risk, the platform either blocks the reservation or redirects the guest to alternative options. 

Guests who successfully book must attest that they understand Airbnb’s policies and acknowledge consequences for violations, including suspension or removal from the platform.

Where Airbnb's anti-party restrictions are in effect

This year, the restrictions are in effect in several countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the UK, France, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand. The initiative builds on Airbnb’s broader efforts to promote safe and responsible travel:

• Year-round reservation screening.
• A Neighborhood Support Line to report urgent issues, such as parties in progress.
• Noise sensors for hosts through a partnership with property tech company Minut.
• A 24-hour Safety Line for hosts and guests to report concerns.

Airbnb Global Head of Operations Tara Bunch stated, "Airbnb is committed to supporting hosts and the communities they live in, and we hope these defenses allow guests, hosts, and neighbors to celebrate the holiday with added reassurance."