The Airbnb refund policy is not like that of your average hotel. Since hosts are allowed to set their own rules and rates, it stands to reason they are also able to set their own cancellation policy. Read on to learn more.
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Jump to:
- What Is the Airbnb Refund Policy?
- 6 Cancellation Types
- How Hosts Can Cancel Reservations
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Airbnb Refund Policy?
To avoid confusion, be sure to read the fine print of each listing before booking.
6 Airbnb Cancellation Policies
Airbnb hosts are given the option to choose from six cancellation policies. Guests can review them before booking their stay. This information is available once you select your dates and click “Reserve.”
Don’t worry. You’ll see a note at the bottom that says, “You won’t be charged yet.”
There, you’ll be able to see the complete cancellation details and be able to decide if you would like to book the room or not. Additionally, some hosts offer more attractive options to save money. One of these is a non-refundable cancellation policy.
Before checking out, look to see if the room has a Flexible, Moderate, Strict, Long Term, Super Strict 30 Days, or Super Strict 60 Days cancellation policy. Read on for the details.
Flexible
Flexible cancellation is the most lenient of Airbnb’s policies. With this, you can cancel free of charge until 14 days before check-in. (This will be marked from your check-in time, which is shown on your confirmation email.)
If you booked within 14 days of check-in, cancellation is allowed for 48 hours after booking, up to 24 hours before check-in for a full refund. If you cancel up to 24 hours before check-in, you can still get a refund for the nightly rate and cleaning fee. However, you will forfeit the service fee.
Take care not to book multiple rooms with the expectation of canceling. Guests who have received three service fee refunds within the last 12 months or if their canceled reservation overlaps with an existing one will not be refunded the Airbnb service fee.
Moderate
With this policy, you can get free cancellation up to 14 days before check-in. If booked less than 14 days before check-in, you can get free cancellation 48 hours after booking and up to five days before check-in.
After 14 days before check-in, guests can cancel up to 5 days beforehand for a refund of the nightly rate and cleaning fee, but not the service fee.
Strict
Take extra care before booking with a strict cancellation policy. In this case, there is free cancellation for 48 hours, but only if guests book at least 14 days before the check-in date.
After that, you can cancel up to 7 days before check-in for a 50% refund of your nightly rate and cleaning fee. The service fee will not be refunded.
Long Term
For long term reservations of 28 nights or more, the Long Term cancellation policy is automatically in place—no matter what the Host has chosen. Guests can cancel before check-in and get a full refund, minus the first 30 days, and the service fee.
In this case, your Host is almost more like a landlord. So if they won’t fix a particular issue, contact Airbnb within 24 hours of discovering it. If your case qualifies, they will cancel a reservation and issue a refund.
Super Strict 30 Days
No matter when you book, this refund policy means you can cancel at least 30 days before check-in for a 50% refund of your nightly rate and cleaning fee. The Airbnb service fee is non-refundable.
Because this policy is so strict, it is by invitation only to specific hosts, and only under particular circumstances.
Super Strict 60 Days
This is the most stringent of Airbnb’s guest refund policies. In this case, guests can cancel at least 60 days before check-in. They receive a 50% refund of the nightly rate and cleaning fee but forfeit the service fee.
Like the Super Strict 30 Day Policy, this option is by invitation only to specific hosts in certain circumstances.
How Hosts Can Cancel A Reservation
Because cancellations disrupt the guest experience, hosts can face penalties for canceling a reservation. If you must do so, select the appropriate reservation and cancel it.
If you cancel more than seven days before check-in, Airbnb will deduct a $50 cancellation fee from your next payout. If it’s less than seven days, you will be charged a $100 fee.
Other penalties can include an unavailable/blocked calendar, an account suspension, or removal of your Superhost status. The cancellation fee may be waived if you have completed 10 consecutive bookings without canceling.
Or, if you are canceling due to an emergency or extenuating circumstance, file a claim with Airbnb. In this case, the penalties may be waived.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are some exceptions to the above Airbnb refund policies. Read on for common questions, answered.
Can guests get a refund if the listing wasn’t as expected?
If the listing is inaccessible, unsafe, dirty, or there is an unexpected animal present, contact Airbnb. They will help you find a new place to stay or issue a refund.
Tip: If you encounter an issue, remember to contact the Host first through Airbnb messaging. When you complain with Airbnb, they will ask if you have first contacted the Host.
What if I’m canceling for an emergency?
Airbnb may waive cancellation penalties or issue a refund on an Airbnb rental in the case of an emergency. Extenuating circumstances include death, serious illness, government-mandated obligations (like jury duty), or transportation disruptions.
In this case, you can file a claim with Airbnb’s customer support. Keep in mind, you will need to provide documentation to prove your circumstances.
How long until I get my refund?
Airbnb issues refunds immediately upon cancellation. However, it will typically take between 3 to 5 days to show up on your statement. In some cases, it may take as long as 15 days to reflect on your original payment method, depending on your carrier.
How can I contact Airbnb?
You can find information in the Airbnb resolution center by visiting airbnb.com/help/contact-us/. You can also call toll free at 1-855-424-7262.
Make the Most of the Airbnb Refund Policy
To enjoy the benefits of Airbnb’s Flexible and Moderate return policies, be sure to cancel sparingly and well in advance of your reservation. Never cancel with an overlapping booking for the same dates — you will not be refunded the service fee.
For strict policies, you will be charged half of your booking fee, so triple check your travel plans before booking. If you feel you have been overcharged, under-served, or wronged, first contact your Host through Airbnb. Then, contact Airbnb directly by calling 1-855-424-7262.
Have you ever had to cancel and Airbnb reservation? Let us know about it in the comments below!
