Airbnb is adding social features to its platform, enabling users to connect with family and friends to see where they've stayed and properties they recommend.
The updates were announced in May as part of Airbnb's 2026 Summer Release and are now available for users in the U.S.
Once connected, Airbnb users can give each other access to view past destinations, as well as experiences and services they booked, which are visible on an interactive map. This feature also allows travelers to read each other's reviews, message within the app and save destinations to a wishlist.
Users can make certain trips private and choose how much or a certain trip to share with connections. Trips are only visible once a connection invite has been accepted.
"Some of the best recommendations come from people you trust. Now, we’re making it easy to see where people you know have traveled, what they loved and where they’re headed next," the short-term rental giant said in its fall product update. Phocuswright research echoes this, with recommendations from family and friends consistently ranked as the top, most trusted resource for U.S. travelers.
Broader views of different areas are also available through neighborhood pages on the interactive map. Users tap the map for an overview compiled from host and guest feedback, including information about what the area is like, what there is to do, etc.
AI updates for guests and hosts, new services
Airbnb is also rolling out artificial intelligence (AI)-powered trip planning features as part of its fall launch, including a new search bar where travelers can use natural language when looking for homes, services and experiences.
Travelers will see AI-powered listing descriptions and a comparison feature, and within search, users can type keywords, with Airbnb's AI automatically selecting other filters matching that search. The company used the example of searching for "baby," with the system then pulling other related filters such as cribs, playgrounds or books and toys.
Also this fall, Airbnb is launching AI-powered updates for hosts. This includes dynamic pricing, 3D floor plans for guests and AI-generated performance summaries. Hosts will also have access to a multi-listing calendar, allowing them to update different components across all of their listings, or across a select few, at one time.
Services are expanding as well. In the U.S., users can schedule laundry pickup and delivery through Airbnb's partnership with Rinse and rent baby gear through a partnership with BabyQuip. Airbnb said laundry services are available in select U.S. cities, while baby equipment rentals are available in over 60 U.S. cities.
In Europe, Airbnb users will now have the option to have groceries delivered, with meal delivery also available in certain cities.
Airbnb at The Phocuswright Conference
Hear from Airbnb's global head of hotel enterprise and connectivity partnerships, Lou Zameryka, at The Phocuswright Conference in November in Fort Lauderdale.