AirBnB bookings and AVIOS through BA Shopping channel

[Tomato2211]

I have three three past bookings with AirBnB where I have tried unsuccessfully to get due AVIOS credited. I booked all three accommodations through the correct channels and entered my BA Executive number. It has been successful in the past. I made the initial contact within the 6 month cut off time limit. I have had multiple e-mail exchanges with what I can only assume is an AI tool through the following e-mail address: <missingaviosairbnb@ba.com>. I have so far had one credit for one of the three bookings, but this is at a rate of 1 AVIOS per £1, which I have asked for confirmation as to what ratio was in force at the time of the booking, only never to have had a reply to this question. I have also noted that AVIOS credited should be based on USD value. I have also tried unsuccessfully to complain to AirBnB, as presumably my contract is with them as they pay BA to credit AVIOS as well as process the transactions. AirBnB keep referring me back to the same BA e-mail address. Any advice of where to go next?

[IanMc]

Hi – I haven’t got experience around Airbnb but overall my sense is that these companies will try their best to get out of paying Avios. I am currently fighting Darlings of Chelsea (we bought sofas and 75k Avios was the prize) and they have just cancelled them without reason. I spoke to BA and they cannot see why not paid so are investigating. I think my only option might be to take them to court for the cost of buying 75k avios

[JDB]

Most of these retailers are pretty good in my experience but they are unsurprisingly hot on not paying affiliate marketing fees twice. With a smaller company like Darlings, I would try to track down the person responsible for handling these issues and get them to sort it out before writing them a Letter before Claim.

For Airbnb, it’s very difficult to deal with these big faceless online firms, but if you have exhausted the usual channels, I would write to them at their UK head office, set out all the details, the steps you have taken to resolve and and tell them to get it sorted out. While it suits both parties to shunt you from one to the other, it’s Airbnb that needs to tell Avios/BA to award the Avios.

In both instances, you need to make it clear that you acted in reliance on their offer, complied in good faith with all the requirements and they have failed to honour the resulting agreement etc.

[meta]

Just take Collinson (I think they still running BA shopping portal) to court like I did. They paid out before the hearing. In my experience, it’s not always the individual companies but those running the scheme who are witholding payments. In my case, I had evidence to back it up from the retailer.