Everything to Know about FlipKey

Most short-term rental hosts rely heavily on big-name platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo to drive bookings. But in an increasingly saturated market, depending on just one site can limit your visibility and your earnings.

FlipKey, backed by Tripadvisor, offers a lesser-known but powerful alternative. With access to a massive audience, simple tools for hosts and a reputation rooted in trust, it’s a platform worth considering if you’re serious about growing your vacation rental business.

What is FlipKey?

FlipKey is an online vacation rental marketplace that features over 830,000 vacation rentals in 190 countries. Launched in 2007, FlipKey quickly became part of the Tripadvisor Rentals group in 2008. This integration means FlipKey leverages Tripadvisor's vast traveler review system to provide a user-friendly, trusted booking experience.

Beyond major cities, FlipKey also lists properties in lesser-known areas, giving vacationers the opportunity to explore unique accommodations that may not be listed on other rental sites. It's also known for more affordable options, especially for long-term stays and offers property types that range from private rooms to luxury villas.

How does FlipKey Work?

FlipKey functions as a venue where vacation rental owners and property managers can list their vacation rentals or accommodations for guests around the world. It doesn’t own any properties; instead, it facilitates connections between travelers and hosts.

Guests search for properties by entering their destination and travel dates on the FlipKey homepage. They can view search results as a list or a map and filter results by:

• Price per night

• Accommodation type (e.g., condo, cottage)

• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms

• Amenities such as Wi fi, air conditioning and a kitchen

• Suitability options like child-friendly, parking or smoking

• Activities like hiking, golf or water sports

Guests can also change their display currency to USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, CAD and more.

Each listing includes reviews, pricing, reservation and cancellation policies, and relevant details to ensure transparency and improve the guest experience.

How to List Your Vacation Rental on FlipKey?

Listing your vacation rental on FlipKey is free and straightforward. Here's a clear, step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Create an account and verify your identity

Start by creating a FlipKey account. FlipKey requires all hosts to verify their identity to create a secure experience for travelers.

Step 2: Complete your property details

Provide detailed and accurate information about your vacation rental, including:

• Property type: apartment, house, villa, private room, condo, log cabin, etc.

• Location: full address, nearby attractions and restaurants

• Specs: number of bedrooms, bathrooms and maximum guest capacity

• Amenities: swimming pool, internet access, parking, etc.

• Rental type: entire property, shared room, etc.

• House rules: pet policies, smoking policy and other guest guidelines

Step 3: Upload high-quality photos

Photos are key to attracting interest. Upload clear, high-resolution images that highlight the layout, décor, views and unique features such as a private pool, garden or balcony.

Step 4: Set pricing and fees

You control your rates and charges:

• Set nightly, weekly or monthly rates

• Include additional fees like housekeeping fees, taxes or equipment rentals

• Offer discounts for long-term stays

• Choose a payment model (full upfront or a deposit with a balance later)

Step 5: Maintain availability calendar

Update your calendar to reflect accurate availability. This helps avoid double bookings and provides a better guest experience.

Step 6: Publish and manage your property listing

Once published, your property will appear on the platform. Use your dashboard to manage inquiries, adjust pricing, monitor performance and guest reviews.

How FlipKey Helps Hosts Succeed

FlipKey provides a suite of tools and benefits tailored to help property owners and managers grow their vacation rental business with ease and confidence. Here’s how FlipKey gives you the edge:

1. Free to list, low Commission

Listing your vacation rental property on FlipKey comes at no upfront cost. Once you receive a confirmed booking, FlipKey deducts only a 3% commission from the rental income. Meanwhile, guests pay a separate booking fee ranging from 8% to 16% of the total booking value (excluding taxes).

What you earn:

• The full rental amount (minus the 3% commission)

• All extra charges you set — like cleaning fees, pet fees or equipment rentals — go directly to you.

This low-commission model makes FlipKey one of the more host-friendly platforms in terms of revenue.

2. Global reach through Tripadvisor

When you list on FlipKey, your property automatically appears on Tripadvisor, one of the most visited travel websites in the world. With over 456 million monthly users, this exposure boosts your chances of getting stays from a broad, international audience including vacationers who may not use other rental platforms.

3. Guest communication made simple

FlipKey offers a built-in messaging system that makes it easy to connect with guests. Once a stay is confirmed, you receive full guest contact details. This helps you coordinate check-in, answer any last-minute questions and create a more personal and seamless guest experience.

Being responsive also increases your host rating and can positively impact future reservations.

4. Instant Book option

Instant Book allows guests to book your property immediately without waiting for your approval. This feature:

• Speeds up the booking process

• Makes your property listing more appealing to travelers who want immediate confirmation

• Can boost your visibility in search results

You retain control over your calendar and house rules, but Instant Book removes a key barrier to conversion.

5. Tripadvisor Payment Protection

To enhance traveler trust, FlipKey offers an optional protection plan through Tripadvisor. When activated, this feature covers guests for up to $10,000 in specific situations, including:

• Being denied access to the property at check-in

• Significant misrepresentation of the property compared to its listing

• Fraudulent listings such as when a scammer posts a fake rental or compromises a host's account

Only stays made and paid through FlipKey (via credit card or PayPal) are eligible. Listings with this badge signal added reliability to guests, making them more likely to reserve with confidence — especially first-time or cautious travelers.

What Are FlipKey’s Cancellation Policies and How Do They Work?

FlipKey vacation rental offers five different cancellation policy options for hosts to choose from:

• Relaxed: Guests get a full refund if they cancel at least 2 weeks before check-in.

• Flexible: Guests receive a 50% refund if they cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in or 25% if they cancel between 2 and 4 weeks out. No refund if they cancel within 2 weeks of arrival.

• Moderate: Guests get a 50% refund if they cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in.

• Strict: Guests receive a 50% refund if they cancel at least 8 weeks before check-in or 25% if they cancel between 4 and 8 weeks out. No refund if canceled within 4 weeks.

• Super Strict: No refunds are given, regardless of when the guest cancels.

There’s also a 24-hour cooling-off period — if a guest cancels within 24 hours of confirming their stay and the check-in date is more than 60 days away, they’ll receive a full refund.

Should You List on FlipKey?

FlipKey is a great option for property owners, hosts and property managers looking to increase stay income and gain exposure. Its Tripadvisor integration, user-friendly fee structure and flexible cancellation policies give it broad appeal. Listings tend to perform well when paired with smooth guest stays and consistent positive reviews.

While double bookings and occasional support issues can arise, FlipKey remains a key player in the vacation rental industry — especially across high-traffic travel sites and featured destinations.

Stay organized, set competitive rates (excluding taxes) and deliver excellent service to drive repeat bookings and maximize returns.