Airbnb is launching a pilot program that could make travel stays more seamless for guests: grocery delivery powered by Instacart, available directly through the Airbnb app.
The three-month trial, beginning January 5, will allow travelers to order groceries ahead of their arrival and have participating hosts stock the kitchen before check-in. The program will be tested in select U.S. markets including Phoenix, Orlando, and Los Angeles.
For travelers, this offers a new layer of convenience, especially during busy trips, family vacations, or holiday gatherings. Instead of rushing to a supermarket after landing, guests can simply place an order up to three weeks in advance. Items – whether breakfast staples or supplies for a barbecue – can be waiting in the rental, making arrival day far easier.
How the Pilot Works for Guests and Hosts
During the pilot, Airbnb users can browse and order groceries via Instacart within the Airbnb app. Pre-arrival orders will be fulfilled by hosts, who will receive $25 for each completed stocking request. Hosts are responsible for receiving the delivery, unpacking the groceries, and ensuring everything is properly stored before the guests arrive.
Guests can also continue using the service during their stay, though in-stay orders will be delivered directly to them, and they will handle the groceries themselves. Airbnb noted that only “select hosts” will be part of this test phase to ensure smooth execution and gather feedback before considering a broader rollout.
A Broader Push Into Travel Services
This pilot marks another step in Airbnb’s evolving strategy to integrate more travel-related services into its app. The company has been steadily expanding beyond accommodations, experimenting with features such as in-home meal preparation, fitness sessions, and partnerships focused on enhancing the guest experience. This new grocery delivery option fits directly into that larger shift toward offering a more complete, trip-planning ecosystem.
Airbnb’s move aligns with a pattern of recent announcements centered on improving the convenience and practicality of stays. For example, the company recently introduced its new “Airbnb More” advertising campaign, which highlights how Airbnb is branching into additional services that support travelers before and during their stays. The grocery delivery pilot complements that message, reinforcing Airbnb’s intent to go beyond lodging and embed itself in the full travel journey.
For Instacart, the partnership reflects its strategy to expand through new channels as competition in the grocery delivery market intensifies. The company has recently teamed up with other platforms to broaden its reach and capture more travel-based demand.
If successful, Airbnb’s grocery delivery feature could influence how travelers prepare for their trips – particularly families, long-term guests, and groups seeking a smooth arrival. By easing one of the more tedious parts of travel, Airbnb is positioning itself not just as a rental platform but as a comprehensive, service-focused companion for modern travelers.