496. Hosting Hotline: How Should Hosts Respond to Airbnb’s New 15.5% Fee?

The Hosting Hotline is buzzing with questions about Airbnb’s new 15.5% host-only fee. Starting October 27, 2025, all property management software (PMS)–connected hosts will be switched to this single-fee structure. But what does that mean for your business, your pricing, and your profitability?

Sarah and Annette are joined by Thanks for Visiting COO and revenue management expert, Colleen Prochaska, to break down what this change really means for hosts. They share their firsthand experience of being forced onto the new fee structure last year, how they adjusted without losing revenue, and why your pricing strategy matters more than ever.

From PMS considerations to direct booking diversification and preparing for 2026, this episode will help you navigate Airbnb’s fee update with confidence.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why ditching your PMS isn’t the answer
• How to reframe the 15.5% fee as part of your overall pricing strategy
• Tactics for co-hosts and property managers to address fees with owners
• Why focusing on your booking funnel is just as important as pricing
• How to future-proof your hosting business with diversification and forecasting

Resources:

• Booked & Profitable Bootcamp – Learn how to optimize your pricing, calendar, and booking funnel so you can thrive in any market. thanksforvisiting.com/bootcamp
• Airbnb Fee Structure Update – Read Airbnb’s official announcement here: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857/service-fees

Mentioned in this episode:

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