Today an article hit the web from The New York Daily News regarding the disadvantages black people seem to receive when using Airbnb. When we heard that such an article had been published, we both reacted with ‘OMG THANK YOU FINALLY SOMEONE WRITES ABOUT THIS!’
As an interracial couple who has been traveling for the past 3 months and strictly using Airbnb, we are no strangers to this problem that apparently tons of other users were experiencing also. Booking with Airbnb was never difficult and the company and hosts were always a dream to work with. About a third of the way into our current three-month trip, we noticed that the experiences booking homes got progressively worse and worse.
It started slowly but has gotten much worse, especially in large cities. For us, the problem lies in hosts having their listing open and available for booking. When we send them a message asking a few questions about the listing and transportation, they often respond saying they are sorry but the listing is already booked or unavailable for the days we requested (although the dates are completely free on their calendar).
Now, we are totally reasonable people! The humans who respond saying they are SO SORRY they forgot to change the dates because their daughter is actually home from college or the student who forgot he was going to be out of town are totally valid excuses.
We are talking about the people who respond saying their listing isn’t open and don’t give an explanation. The people who keep their listings open for others to book even when they tell us they aren’t open. The people who talk with us and discover we are a couple and then offer the place to someone else.
We have called Airbnb and explained our experience and our thoughts on the process. They responded with ‘well it looks like you have had success booking with tons of people so far!’ What Airbnb doesn’t know is the hoops we have to jump through and stress we must endure to procure the places we have booked during our 3 months in Europe. Out of every 8-10 places we reach out to that are in our budget, at least 60% turn us down with the same exact excuse.
The first few cities, we were annoyed but thought nothing more. Then it started constantly happening, across cities and countries all over Europe causing a consistent stream of stress and confusion.
What had changed? Why such a stark contrast in response rates? Our profile picture changed. Originally it was a simple modeling photo of Victoria standing on a beach with a car. During the trip and since we were traveling as a couple, we made the decision to change the account profile picture to better reflect who we were. We changed our profile photo to a super cute selfie we took in Iceland and the response rate experience has declined ever since. We had our suspicions and even considered taking the profile picture down and changing it back to the original, and this New York Daily News article confirms what we feared.
Old profile photo:
New profile photo:
While we 100% understand that people are inviting travelers into their homes and can make any decision they want about whom they host. That being said, if you are an Airbnb host it is your duty to accurately represent your listing to guests looking to book.
It Is unfortunate that we were able to book with ease in the past and a simple profile picture change has caused us much trouble. The situation is tough and institutionalized racism is the obvious the cause. While we aren’t sure we agree with banning profile photos, something must be done. With two university studies and hundreds of guests backing up this article, It is time for Airbnb to step up to the plate and brainstorm viable solutions.
Because as the New York Daily News author puts it: ‘discrimination has no place in our society.’ It is our job to step up and speak out.
Have you had a similar experience? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to hashtag #airbnbwhileblack on Twitter and tag the company.
The 411 on Photoshoots in Cold Weather
You could also have just gotten some really bad reviews. When a guest checks out the hosts are asked if they would recommend the guest with a thumbs up, thumbs down system. They are also asked if the guest obeyed the house rules, if they were clean, communicated well, etc. Much like Harvard’s study you conclusion is based on your own bias and limited data.
Ms. Clark,
Someone should throw you a rope so you can crawl out of the hole you’re living in. This is 2016 and racism is alive and well all over this earth, but ultimately it is the home owner who has the final say as to whom they will allow in their home. Yes, they should have said in their advertisement, “I don’t care for anyone from African decent to stay in my house.”
I was called a racist over a bad review by a Polish couple over an apartment we rented out. Even though the couple before were Türkish, and the couple after were mixed Italian and Polish. The couple that called us racists had a hard time getting a new apartment. I didn’t read the guest reviews, and tend to believe it might be the couple are being turned down for racist reasons, but also possible it would be guest reviews. University Students in general both white and black do at times in big cities have a reputation. So, maybe somebody should teach you how to look at a big picture. I’m seeing the story of one couple, but not the story of what Ms. Clark pointed out.
I’m sure they never considered their reviews. *eye roll*
I sorry about your experience,I do have stand alone free standing guest house that we rent to Airbnb guests,it have been amazing experience to us we have had few African American couples interracial couples,people from all over the world,Muslims,chrischans,Jews and others.i have not turn down not one request or instant booking yet in 18 months.it would have been my losses if I did not give my self the aportunety to meet you guys,so please if you ever come to San Diego area check us out in lakeside
Private Home With Sweeping Views
Hope to have the chance to be your host-:)-:)
Victoria
Hi, Victoria, I want to book ur cottage in september.
can u tell me which dates it is available.
my email is engr.awaqas@gmail.com
Regards
Ahmed
Only book with hosts that have instant book turned on (it’s indicated by the little lightning symbol on the listing). Then you won’t have the problem of being rejected. You also have to understand that sometimes hosts can get annoyed with potential guests to ask a lot of questions that have been covered in their listing.
Thank you for voicing your concerns and bringing your bad experience to our attention. It is very sad that we continue to have to deal with narrow minded attitudes and biased judgments as we continue to try and build a more tolerant and civilized society that does not discriminate against folk for their religious, racial, cultural or sexual backgrounds. If these folk would only give you a chance they would discover what a sweet gentle kind couple of people you guys are, and certainly not worthy of a negative review and treatment. Be brave. We support you.
Thank you for your support Michael! It is indeed very sad and something Victoria never even really considered!
I don’t think this is entirely true. You were misleading the home owners with your first profile photo, and you know it. I am part of an interracial couple too and we never had any issues, anywhere. I think this is just a way to use racism for your own benefit. You two are a lovely couple, so don’t ruin your relationship by discriminating your own boyfriend. Just book a hostel, most of the times it’s cheaper…
Hey! Victoria here! Thanks for your reply! I never considered my first profile photo as misleading. In each and every message to hosts I told them I was traveling with my boyfriend so everyone knew what they were getting. Also, hostels are not cheaper and Airbnb is a much better deal, especially for long-term travelers such as ourselves.
Miriam, you have the nerve to show up in this site to twist the facts and knowing very well this just doesn’t happens to interracial couple, but the FACT its happening to many minorities, She was being honest with her story, you were being a normal bigot.
Honestly you guys look really beautiful together please keep up the good work
Thanks Ben! We appreciate it 😉
You folks look perfect for my place. Ever get out to Joshua Tree, California? I’m six miles from the park. My only requirement is that you enjoy excitable young Pit Bulls who love visitors. Get on out here. I got a room waiting for you.
No sir we have not been there yet! And we love pitties! Thanks for your kind invitation we will hit you up if we make it out that way!
This story reminds me when the “boss” told me “it is not suitable to put your boyfriend on unmarried woman’s profile picture.”
He was the boss of the company I was getting internship, and due to the fact that I put my Facebook profile picture which shows my boyfriend (Pakistani) and I (Japanese) he turned down my internship at his office.
Now I’m on my way of job hunting, I put all of my pictures with him on Facebook as “private”. I did this to prevent similar event, still I wish I don’t have to do this.
im sorry to hear about this. If you are in the Netherlands maybe I can help you out just mail me
You guys are a beautiful couple.
I’m curious to know what’s been the experience of either of you when/if you’ve used Airbnb when traveling by yourselves?
Hey Jay! Victoria has only used Airbnb once with her ex-gf and there were no problems because the town was very liberal. TJ has never used Airbnb alone. Last year we went to Europe for 15 days with Victoria’s sister [using the original profile photo] and had no problems as well. In addition, at the start of our current trip, we didn’t have an issue when the profile picture was the model one.
I am older gentleman who travels often and have been using Airbnb for more than 7 years. All reviews I have received have been very positive. I am african american and though racism does exists, I didn’t stop to think about it while using Airbnb until recently. I was traveling to Detroit and made request for about 10 posh living arrangements. I like being comfortable. Though all the dates were free, I got reponses saying that the places had been taken for the period I needed…and they, the renters, had forgotten to update their Airbnb page. Out of curiosity, I asked a caucasian friend to make requests for the same places….and miraculously they he was told that the places…all ten…were available. I had the same thing happen in the New York Listing. Coincidence?
Wow this is CRAZY! We are currently in Ireland and have about a 80% deny rate right now. Thanks for sharing your story.
You are a beautiful couple, full stop. It should not matter if the person you love is different from what people expect. After all it’s your choice.
I’m saddened you hear you faced discrimination while traveling (in Europe?) Unfortunately discrimination still exists (not only in Europe) for interracial couples but also for women, minorities, age based etc throughout society (and airbnb must be no exception).
I hope that while traveling you also had the chance to meet people who are open to diversity and against discrimination. Amazing people that have welcomed you and maybe become friends with? (Part of the joys of traveling) I believe these are the stories we also need to share to inspire people.
Wishing you all the best in your future travel!
hey,
i am seriously shocked about your experiences. as a european i feel ashamed. i just want to tell you that me and my partner are using airbnb a lot while travelling (all over the world but also a lot around europe). we are a mixed couple (eurasian, asian) and oh yeah.. we are a gay couple, and actually we have not made sucha bad experience. we are hosts as well and i could not imagine things like this are still happening in the 21st century.. next time you should stay with us 😛 sorry again for these close-mided europeans. keep enjoying your trip and enjoy the 40% of hosts that are happy to host you. and btw.. i really like your profile picture from iceland 😀
Hey Mike! Thanks for reaching out and connecting! Super glad you have been having good experiences so far! We will totally stay with you 😉 Where are you located? If you ever visit Florida and we are home you are always welcome with us as well!
I’m very sorry for the experiences that bi-racial couples and African American travelers are having. I rent out my condo in Rocky Point, Mexico. Some rental sites that I use post pictures and/or reviews. I scan the reviews but don’t look at the pictures. I would be happy to rent to this couple and Mr. Moore.
Thank you Sandra! We appreciate it and hope you continue to have great experiences with renters!
In my experience Eastern Europe really takes the cake as far as xenophobia and lack of visitor-friendliness goes, and I´m white. So God help the poor people guilty of carrying dangerous levels of melanin. There, it´s probablaly a 90% rejection rate, sad to say.
I haven’t tried AirBnB, however your experience confirms that racism is everywhere and no matter how much we talk about it, it never goes away. You don’t deserve to be judged on the surface like this.
Just had something similar happen to me while trying to book a place in Vegas over Mother’s Day. Turned down 3 times with lame excuses and blaming ABB for an innacurate calendar, yet, it was still available to others. I was so frustrated and upset that I gave up and had to pay top dollar for a hotel stay, which cut into all the things I wanted to do for my mom.
As a European citizen of African descent I am not surprised this is happening all over Europe. I was born and raised in Europe and my grandparents were from Africa. Even though my entire family are all university-educated, regular people the following are only a small fraction of aspects of life in Europe as a visual minority:
– in job interviews the first question or remark is typically that my ” local language” has no accent and how fluent I am in the local language. Like that is something totally unusual because all Africans in Europe are supposed to have poor communication skills. Then they often ask very personal questions, like where my ancestors are from and where they live or why they came in the first place. Needless to say that most job interviews like that won’t lead to an offer.
– when looking for a place to rent (apartment, house, any other place) the landlords either won’t call back or, once they see me/us, the dwelling is no longer available. At least some are honest and say “they won’t rent to black people”.
– If you are a driver you will enjoy frequent police stops – especially in larger cities. It is common in Frankfurt, Zurich and Munich to be stopped by police or other law enforcement to be asked immigration questions or present your ID. Nobody else will be stopped, of course. It is a random check, after all.
– Night clubs, bars, entertainment… well…. do I need to say more? No entry in many places. Bouncers are only executing managements’ orders and they say that local folks don’t want to spend their leisure time with black people. They normally have an excuse like “the club is full” or something like that…
– On the street people shout racial slurs at you. Not daily, but probably weekly. This has happened to almost every black person I know in mostly England, Ireland, Germany and Switzerland.
– “No-go areas” are typically: Eastern Europe, Eastern Germany, East-Berlin, places like Poland, Hungary, (..), travel there at your own risk. Countries like Russia are very dangerous for minorities.
Fact is, Europe never had a civil rights movement, a lobby for visual minorities, or anything like that. If you are an educated visual minority who would like to climb the career ladder it is certainly possible in Europe but highly unlikely.
Welcome to Europe!
Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Your experiences are terrible but unsurprising. This is very eye opening and we hope our followers read about your stories as well. We also noticed racial slurs in Ireland. In eastern-Europe it was more stares as opposed to verbal comments.
You’re lucky you didn’t visit southern europe,…you would be stared at all the time, and not just out of curiosity, believe me,….rather out of “shock”.