Show HN: I built an extension to contact Airbnb hosts direcly

(www.getaway.direct)
10 points fliellerjulian | 8 comments | 29 Nov 24 11:18 UTC | HN request time: 1.063s | source | bottom

Hey HN,

Over the years, I’ve found myself frustrated with the extra fees Airbnb. While they provide a lot of convenience, the service fees often stack up to a point where they overshadow any potential savings. I started wondering if there was a way to connect directly with property hosts and skip the middleman entirely.

That curiosity led me to build getaway.direct, a free Chrome extension that helps travelers save money. It works like this:

1. You browse listings on Airbnb. 2. The extension scans for direct booking links, host websites, or social media profiles where you can reach out to the host directly. 3. It shows those results instantly, so you can compare prices, avoid service fees, and book smarter.

The main idea is to provide transparency. A lot of hosts already have their own websites but rely on platforms like Airbnb for visibility. This tool helps surface those direct options, which can often save you 10-20% per booking.

I’d love to hear your thoughts:

Would something like this be helpful to you? Also, I’m curious to get feedback on ways to improve the tool—whether it’s adding more integrations, improving usability, or something else entirely.

Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think.

1. eliztelli ◴[29 Nov 24 11:44 UTC] No.42273179[source]▶
Out of curiosity, how does the extension ensure accuracy in finding direct links? Does it rely on a specific database or match listings dynamically? Excited to see where this goes—great work!
replies(1): >>42273229 #
2. fliellerjulian ◴[29 Nov 24 11:58 UTC] No.42273229[source]▶
The extension dynamically matches listings by scanning publicly available information (google lens, maps and search) in real-time. It doesn't rely on a static database but rather uses advanced algorithms to identify direct links, social media profiles, and other relevant sources. This way, it stays flexible and accurate as new listings or platforms emerge.
3. xchip ◴[29 Nov 24 12:28 UTC] No.42273381[source]▶
I just deleted my Airbnb account.

They don't own the issues and always ask you to solve the problems by talking directly with the host or prove issues in impossible ways.

Example: In my last booking the heating was broken for the whole hotel, despite I sent them a picture showing the small heater they gave me next to the huge faulty heater, Airbnb asked me to measure the temperature with a thermometer. Since I didn't have one they only offered me $10 compensation.

Bye Airbnb, hello solutions like this.

replies(1): >>42274042 #
4. fliellerjulian ◴[29 Nov 24 14:20 UTC] No.42274042[source]▶
Wow, I can relate to that frustration! I had a similar issue where my host promised amenities that weren't provided, and Airbnb's resolution process left me jumping through hoops with no real outcome. It feels like the responsibility is always shifted back to the guest.

That's part of why I was drawn to create the extension - puts more control back into the hands of travelers. Thanks for sharing your experience!

replies(1): >>42274270 #
5. xchip ◴[29 Nov 24 14:54 UTC] No.42274270{3}[source]▶
I told airbnb that if I go though them is because I expect them to guarantee good practices and high standards.

If Airbnb claims no accountability and declares themselves incompetent there is no point in paying them.

6. ada1981 ◴[29 Nov 24 20:44 UTC] No.42276969[source]▶
Give hosts an option to register with you directly.
replies(1): >>42280706 #
7. fliellerjulian ◴[30 Nov 24 10:06 UTC] No.42280706[source]▶
good one, I will implement that with the next update!

Thanks for your feedback and suggestion :D