Benefits of Airbnb API Connection vs iCal

In this article, you will see a brief overview of how iCal or API channel connections work. You can also find brief explanations of these terms and the advantages and disadvantages of these two technologies.

iCal Definition and risks

iCal stands for Internet Calendaring and Scheduling Core Object Specification (iCalendar). An iCal connection details include:

• Real-time data feeds that allow you to synchronize calendars with each other.
• It is not a technology exclusive to hospitality applications, nor was it developed specifically for this purpose.

iCal main risks are:

• High chances of overbooking.
  It offers an easy way of pulling events (blocked dates or actual bookings) from another system, but the block does not happen instantly as there is no ‘push’ of the event.
  Remote calendars are only updated whenever the OTA ‘pulls’ a new update, and this could happen as rarely as once a day. Thus, there is an ample risk of overbookings.
• Prices (rates) are not updated in iCal connections.

API Definition and benefits

API is the acronym for Application Programming Interface. An API connection offers:

• Real-time connections
• Support for several types of data, enabling more features
• Reduced risk of overbookings

API advantages are:

1. Instant updates between systems: It reduces the window of time during which a double booking could occur.
2. Pricing updates: It manages your prices (rates) through the API connection.
   You can efficiently ensure that your up-to-date prices are pushed to all websites as quickly as possible. It can maximize your income for those days while guests head to their devices to book their stays.