Airbnb voided booking because of lack of photo

[rainandshine52]

I was quite surprised this morning when an accommodation booking was voided and cancelled because I hadn't put a picture of myself on my profile. What's the point of that? How do they know any picture I supply is actually of me? And in what way does that help them? I think it's ridiculous they cancelled the booking due to that!

If it's part of their t&c it's perfectly valid to void the booking. I suspect it's to ensure that you are not a banned person reregistered inba different name

It is one of their rules. You need to submit a photo or they will void the booking.

Yes I realise that now but I thought it was just an update your profile message not we will cancel the whole booking unless you do it! Seems odd. I could upload a complete strangers picture and they wouldn't have a clue!

Trying again and now it wants ID uploaded. Thinking of calling it a day with air bnb!

Airbnb allows owners to ask for as much ID as they want. Airbnb's basic requirements are for a confirmed phone number and the guest's email address (which is all we ask for). But owners can also insist on profile photos, Government-issued ID and good reviews from other hosts. Maybe the owner has had a bad experience and wants to be especially careful!

I almost booked with Air BnB but then realised that to register I had to provide a copy of my passport/driving licence etc . I didn't want to do that so booked elsewhere.

Last booking I made I got asked for my passport and my photo but said it would just go to Airbnb. Previously made three bookings fine so seemed odd but that one had lots of alpacas and kids really wanted it so sent it. Though have deactivated since as not overly keen on it.