Airbnb has just unveiled its most ambitious platform redesign in years, officially dubbed the "Everything App". This comprehensive overhaul represents a significant shift in how travelers will book accommodations, experiences, and manage their rewards—potentially changing how points enthusiasts maximize value from their stays. With the summer travel season approaching, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Airbnb's major transformation and how to leverage its new features to your advantage.

Key Takeaways

• New Everything App: Airbnb's comprehensive platform redesign launches May 15, 2025, with a refreshed interface, enhanced search, and integrated experiences.
• Guest Favorites Program: Airbnb's first-ever loyalty program debuts June 15, offering 5 points per dollar spent, three status tiers, and airline/hotel transfer options.
• Credit Card Synergies: Capital One Venture X (10x miles), Chase Sapphire Preferred (5x on experiences), and Amex Gold (4x on international bookings) offer boosted rewards when used with the new app.
• Transparent Pricing: The redesign shows total pricing (including all fees) by default, addressing a major user complaint.
• Increased Value Opportunities: New bundle discounts offer 10-15% savings when booking accommodations and experiences together.

What Is the Airbnb Everything App?

The Airbnb Everything App is a complete redesign of Airbnb's platform, launched in May 2025 during their Summer Release event. Rather than just being a place to book accommodations, the new app integrates all travel elements into a single, cohesive experience. The redesign includes a refreshed user interface, streamlined booking processes, enhanced search capabilities, and—most notably for points enthusiasts—the introduction of Airbnb's first-ever loyalty program called "Guest Favorites."

CEO Brian Chesky described the update as "the biggest change to Airbnb since we first launched," positioning the app as a comprehensive travel companion rather than simply an accommodation marketplace, according to USA Today's coverage of the announcement.

Key Features of the Airbnb Everything App

1. Completely Redesigned User Interface

The most immediately noticeable change is the app's fresh visual design, which prioritizes simplicity and intuitive navigation. Key improvements include:

• Tab-based Navigation: The new five-tab design provides quick access to Home, Favorites, Trips, Inbox, and Profile sections
• Personalized Home Feed: AI-driven recommendations based on your browsing history and past bookings
• Immersive Property Visualization: Enhanced photo galleries, 3D tours, and neighborhood visualizations
• Dark Mode Support: Reduced eye strain when browsing accommodations late at night

The redesign follows modern design principles with increased white space, smoother animations, and a focus on visual content that makes properties more appealing and easier to evaluate.

2. Guest Favorites Program (Airbnb's First Loyalty Program)

Perhaps the most significant addition for points and miles enthusiasts is the introduction of Airbnb's first official loyalty program, Guest Favorites. After years of speculation about whether Airbnb would enter the loyalty program space, the program offers:

• Points Earning: 5 Airbnb points per dollar spent on stays and experiences
• Tier System: Three status levels (Explorer, Adventurer, Globetrotter) with increasing benefits
• Redemption Options: Points can be used for discounts on future stays, experiences, or converted to select airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Milestone Rewards: Bonuses for completing 3, 5, 10, and 25 stays annually
• Anniversary Perks: Annual reward night certificate for qualified members

The program officially launches June 15, 2025, but current Airbnb users with booking history will receive retroactive tier placement based on their activity over the past 12 months.

According to The Points Guy's analysis, this new program represents "Airbnb's acknowledgment that loyalty matters in the travel space" and positions the platform to compete more directly with established hotel chains.

Guest Favorites Tiers vs. Hotel Loyalty Programs

Sample Redemption Values

Understanding the value of Airbnb Guest Favorites points will be crucial for maximizing the program. Here are some concrete examples based on initial analysis:

• Stay Redemptions: Points are worth approximately 0.7 cents each when applied toward stays
  • Example: A $350 weekend stay would require about 50,000 points
  • This provides roughly a 3.5% return on spending when earning base 5x points
• Experience Redemptions: Points have a higher value of about 0.9 cents each for experiences
  • Example: A $90 cooking class would require 10,000 points
  • This represents a 4.5% return on spending at the base earning rate
• Airline Transfer Examples:
  • 20,000 Airbnb points → 13,333 Delta SkyMiles (Adventurer tier at 1.5:1 ratio)
  • 20,000 Airbnb points → 20,000 British Airways Avios (Globetrotter tier at 1:1 ratio)
  • 20,000 Airbnb points → 10,000 Flying Blue miles (Explorer tier at 2:1 ratio)
• Comparison to Hotel Programs: A typical hotel program offers 2-3 cents per point value for premium redemptions, making Airbnb's program less valuable for pure point maximizers but more flexible for occasional users.

3. Enhanced Search Capabilities

Airbnb has completely revamped how users search for and filter accommodations:

• AI Search Assistant: Natural language processing allows users to search with conversational queries like "beachfront property with a hot tub near San Diego for a family of four"
• Category Expansion: New property categories include "Design Icons," "Off-grid," "Wellness retreats," and "Workspaces"
• Map-centric Browsing: Interactive map interface with real-time price adjustments as you navigate
• Price Transparency: Total pricing (including all fees) is now displayed by default
• Flexible Date Search: Enhanced options for travelers with variable schedules

These improvements address long-standing user complaints about fee transparency and difficulty finding specific property types. Upgraded Points' analysis describes the search enhancements as "the most significant improvement since Airbnb Categories was introduced in 2022."

4. Integrated Experiences Platform

Experiences are now deeply integrated into the main app rather than feeling like a separate product:

• Contextual Recommendations: Suggested experiences based on your accommodation location and dates
• Bundle Discounts: Save 10-15% when booking accommodations and experiences together
• Host-curated Itineraries: Local recommendations from property hosts
• Group Booking Tools: Simplified process for organizing experiences with multiple participants

This integration creates a more cohesive travel planning experience and potentially offers better value when bundling activities with accommodations.

5. Enhanced Payment and Rewards Integration

Airbnb has expanded its payment options and credit card integrations:

• Stored Payment Methods: Securely save multiple cards for faster checkout
• Split Payments: Divide costs among multiple guests without awkward reimbursements
• Credit Card Bonus Categories: Partnership with major credit card issuers to provide bonus points when using selected cards
• Pay with Points Option: Direct redemption of select credit card points for Airbnb bookings

The Capital One Venture X card, for instance, now offers 10x miles on Airbnb bookings through June 2026 when using the card in the app. Similarly, the Chase Sapphire Preferred provides 5x Ultimate Rewards points on Airbnb experiences booked through the app.

How to Maximize Value with the Airbnb Everything App

Stack Rewards for Maximum Return

To extract the most value from the new Everything App, consider these strategies:

1. Double-dip on rewards: Earn both Airbnb Guest Favorites points and credit card points simultaneously by using the right card for your booking.
2. Strategic tier qualification: If you're close to reaching the next Guest Favorites tier, consider shifting hotel stays to Airbnb to cross the threshold and unlock better benefits.
3. Utilize transfer partners: Once the program matures, transfer Airbnb points to airline partners during transfer bonuses for potentially outsized value.
4. Book experiences through the app: With the new bundle discounts, booking experiences through Airbnb rather than directly with tour operators often provides 10-15% savings.
5. Enable price alerts: The new app allows you to set alerts for price drops in specific destinations, helping you book at optimal times.

Leverage Credit Card Partnerships

Several credit cards have announced enhanced earning rates specifically for the Airbnb Everything App:

• Capital One Venture X Card: Temporarily increased to 10x miles on Airbnb bookings (typically 2x)
• Chase Sapphire Preferred: 5x points on Airbnb Experiences (normally 2x on travel)
• American Express Gold Card: 4x points on Airbnb bookings in select international destinations

For a limited time, the Capital One Venture X is offering a statement credit of up to $100 annually for Airbnb bookings, making it particularly valuable for frequent Airbnb users.

Use the New Tools to Find Hidden Gems

The redesigned search functionality unveils opportunities that were previously difficult to discover:

• Try natural language searches: Instead of using basic filters, try detailed requests like "quiet cabin with fast internet near hiking trails under $200/night"
• Explore new categories: The "Design Icons" category reveals architecturally significant properties often priced below market rate
• Use map-based price comparison: Shifting your search radius slightly can often reveal significantly lower prices for similar properties

Timing Strategies for Best Deals

The app now provides tools to help time your bookings optimally:

• Price trend indicators: Historical pricing data shows whether rates for your destination are likely to increase or decrease
• Seasonal insights: Destination-specific guidance on peak vs. shoulder seasons
• Last-minute deals section: Newly added feature highlighting properties with recent price drops for impending dates

Limitations and Considerations

Despite the impressive overhaul, several limitations are worth noting:

• Phased Rollout: Not all features will be available in all regions immediately
• Points Valuation Uncertainty: As a new program, the true value of Guest Favorites points remains to be determined
• Limited Transfer Partners: Initial airline and hotel transfer options are restricted compared to established programs
• Learning Curve: The new interface, while improved, requires adjusting to new navigation patterns

Additionally, while price transparency has improved, the app still doesn't provide direct comparisons to hotel loyalty program values, which may offer better returns for frequent travelers in certain scenarios.

FAQs About the Airbnb Everything App

When will the Everything App be available?

The app update begins rolling out May 15, 2025, with complete global availability expected by June 1. The Guest Favorites loyalty program officially launches June 15, 2025.

Will my existing Airbnb account automatically transfer?

Yes, your account, booking history, and saved listings will automatically migrate to the new app. Just update your existing Airbnb app to access the new features.

Can I transfer my Guest Favorites points to airline miles?

Initial transfer partnerships include Delta SkyMiles, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, and British Airways Executive Club, with more partners expected later in 2025.

How do the new status tiers compare to hotel loyalty programs?

The Globetrotter tier (requiring 20 nights or $10,000 spend annually) offers benefits comparable to mid-tier hotel status, including late checkout, priority support, and room upgrades when available.

Will the redesign affect pricing?

Airbnb states that the redesign itself won't impact pricing. However, the new transparent pricing display (showing all fees upfront) may make some listings appear more expensive at first glance.

Can I still access the old app design if I prefer it?

No, once updated, the new interface will completely replace the previous design with no option to revert.

The Future of Airbnb's Everything App

Looking ahead, Airbnb has hinted at several features in development:

• AI Trip Planner: Full itinerary generation based on preferences and budget
• Integration with Transportation Options: Potential partnerships with ride-sharing and car rental services
• Expanded Financial Services: Possible introduction of an Airbnb-branded travel card
• Host Loyalty Program: A counterpart program for property hosts is under consideration

Industry analysts expect the Guest Favorites program to evolve considerably over its first year, potentially adding more transfer partners and redemption options as the program matures.

Conclusion: Is the Everything App Worth It?

Airbnb's transformation into the Everything App represents a significant evolution for the platform and the broader travel industry. For points and miles enthusiasts, the introduction of the Guest Favorites program creates a new opportunity to maximize travel value, especially when strategically combined with the right credit cards.

The redesigned user experience addresses many long-standing complaints about the platform while adding genuinely useful features that simplify the travel planning process. While the loyalty program may not yet match the depth of established hotel programs, it offers a compelling alternative for travelers who prefer unique accommodations over traditional hotels.

For frequent Airbnb users, the update is undoubtedly positive. Occasional users will benefit from the improved interface and search capabilities, but may not accumulate enough Guest Favorites points to see significant value from the loyalty aspect.

As summer 2025 approaches, the Everything App positions Airbnb to compete more directly with traditional travel booking platforms and hotel chains, giving travelers more options to earn and redeem rewards—ultimately a win for savvy travelers looking to maximize value.

Ready to explore the new features? Update your Airbnb app after May 15 and start earning Guest Favorites points beginning June 15 to turn your summer adventures into future travel opportunities.