Important Notice: Program Discontinued - What You Need to Know
The Airbnb Associates program officially ended on March 31, 2021, but understanding what it offered provides valuable insights for affiliate marketers looking at similar opportunities in the travel and marketplace sectors.Launched in 2008, Airbnb quickly became a global leader in the travel accommodation space, reaching ranking 185 on Similarweb before discontinuing their affiliate program. Let's explore what made this program attractive and what lessons can be learned.
Program Overview - At a Glance
| Program Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Status | Discontinued (March 31, 2021) |
| Categories | Travel, Marketplace |
| Commission Structure | 25-30% of guest fees |
| Cookie Duration | 28 days (stays), 14 days (experiences) |
| Minimum Payout | $40 for host referrals |
| Payment Schedule | Monthly (10th-20th) |
| Launch Year | 2008 |
How the Commission Structure Worked
Guest Referrals
The program offered competitive rates for booking referrals. Affiliates earned 25% of the Airbnb guest fee for the first 500 bookings monthly, then 30% for bookings above 500. This tiered structure rewarded high-performing affiliates with better rates.For experience bookings, affiliates received 25% of the Airbnb host fee, providing additional earning opportunities beyond accommodation bookings.
Host Referrals
Perhaps the most lucrative aspect was host referrals. Affiliates earned a minimum of $40 per new listing that received its first booking within 365 days. The actual payout varied by geography, with some locations offering higher rewards.Tools and Resources Provided
Marketing Materials
Airbnb provided comprehensive promotional tools including:- Referral links for stays, experiences, and hosting pages
- Widgets for embedding visual content
- Landing pages for customized promotional campaigns
- Social media content and promotional materials
Tracking and Attribution
The program used different cookie durations based on booking type:- 28 days for accommodation stays
- 14 days for experiences
- 28 days for host sign-ups with 365 days for first booking completion
Payment Methods and Schedule
Available Payment Options
Airbnb offered multiple payment methods including:- Wire transfers
- PayPal
- Check payments
- ACH transfers
Payment Timeline
Payments were processed monthly between the 10th and 20th of each month following completed reservations. Host referral payouts were processed within 60 days of the first guest checkout.Program Guidelines and Restrictions
Disclosure Requirements
All affiliates were required to include clear disclosures about their relationship with Airbnb. This transparency requirement helped maintain trust with audiences while complying with FTC guidelines.Prohibited Activities
The program had strict rules against:- Paid advertising campaigns
- Keyword bidding on Airbnb terms
- Self-referrals or booking through own links
- Misrepresenting relationship with Airbnb
Why the Program Was Discontinued
While Airbnb never officially stated reasons for discontinuing their affiliate program, industry speculation suggests it was part of a broader strategy to focus on direct marketing channels and reduce commission-based acquisition costs.The timing coincided with increased competition in the travel space and Airbnb's push toward profitability, making direct marketing more cost-effective than affiliate commissions.
Lessons for Modern Affiliate Marketers
What Made It Successful
The program's success came from several factors:- High commission rates that incentivized promotion
- Multiple earning streams through both guest and host referrals
- Comprehensive tools that made promotion easier
- Strong brand recognition that converted well
Alternative Opportunities
With Airbnb's program ended, affiliates in the travel space should consider:- Booking.com and other accommodation platforms
- Travel insurance and related services
- Experience booking platforms
- Travel gear and accessories