Yes, select new hosts are forced to use instant booking. I just called them regarding a new listing I am adding to my account. I am not a new host, and below is the reply I received. Air just cut out a huge chunk of whole homes where the owners will not use instant booking for very good reasons. I do not believe this has anything to do with the discrimination in the media. Homeaway and all the other listings sites are trying to move everyone to instant book like a hotel. The problem is you cannot be on instant book listed everywhere or else you will get double bookings. And Booking.com and Air have clearly proven that guests do not read descriptions or house rules before clicking that instant book button.
"It’s a pleasure speaking with you.
When you sign up for Airbnb and activate your listing, guests will be able to book your space without needing to request approval. This feature can’t be turned off, but you have the option to require all guests to meet additional requirements before they’re able to instantly book your space. This gives you more control over who can stay in your listing.
Here are a few ways to control who gets to book instantly:
1. Set your reservation preferences
You can use reservation preferences to control when and for how long guests can book your space. You can also block days before and between reservations to give you time to prepare. Read more about how to set your reservation preferences here: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1210/
2. Set guest requirements.
All guests will have to provide Airbnb with certain information to book. You can also decide whether you’d like all your guests to meet additional requirements. Read more about guest requirements here: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1170/
3. Set House Rules.
In addition to meeting guest requirements, you can set House Rules that guests must agree to before booking. You’ll be able to cancel penalty-free if a guest breaks your House Rules. Read more about setting House Rules here: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/472/
I hope this helps! Please don’t hesitate to let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with."