Canceling a reservation on Airbnb can sometimes be necessary in case of an unexpected. In this article, we will guide you through Airbnb’s cancellation policies and how extraordinary circumstances can affect your booking.
Airbnb Refund Conditions
Refunds on Airbnb are closely linked to the cancellation policies set by the host when creating their listing. These policies vary from one host to another and determine the extent to which a refund can be granted to the traveler in case of cancellation. It is therefore essential to read these conditions carefully before confirming a reservation. Generally, the refund can be full or partial, depending on when the cancellation is made.
Cancellation within 48 hours of booking
If you cancel your reservation within the 48 hours following confirmation, Airbnb will grant you a full refund, provided that your check-in date is still at least 14 days away. This 48-hour window allows travelers to change their minds quickly, without financial penalties. However, this type of refund generally does not apply to last-minute or very short bookings (for example, if the reservation is made less than 48 hours before arrival).
It is also important to note that even if Airbnb grants a full refund within this period, some hosts may choose to offer non-refundable rates. In this case, the traveler agrees at the time of booking that they will not be refunded in case of cancellation, regardless of when it occurs.
Refund beyond 48 hours
Once the 48-hour period has elapsed, the refund will depend on the specific cancellation conditions set by the host. Airbnb offers three main categories of cancellation policies for stays of less than 28 days: flexible, moderate, and strict. The type of policy chosen by the host will directly affect the amount you can recover if you decide to cancel your stay.
- Flexible: This option allows you to cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before the scheduled check-in time and receive a full refund of the reservation price, excluding service fees. If you cancel less than 24 hours before check-in, only the first night and service fees will not be refunded. This policy provides the most flexibility for travelers with last-minute plans.
- Moderate: You can cancel up to 5 days before check-in to receive a full refund. If you cancel within the 5 days prior to arrival, only the first night and service fees will not be refunded, while 50% of the other nights will be refunded. This policy offers a compromise between flexibility and security for the host.
- Strict: With this policy, you can only get a full refund if you cancel at least 14 days before arrival. If the cancellation occurs between 7 and 14 days before arrival, 50% of the remaining nights will be refunded. Less than 7 days before, no refund is possible. This policy is often chosen by hosts in high-demand areas, where last-minute cancellations are more penalizing.
Non-refundable fees
In certain situations, even if you are eligible for a refund, non-refundable fees may apply. For example, Airbnb’s service fees are rarely refunded if the cancellation occurs after the initial 48-hour window. Similarly, cleaning fees may also be non-refundable, especially if the stay is canceled very late.
Airbnb also specifies that if you have received three refunds within a 12-month period, you may no longer be eligible for reimbursement of service fees for future cancellations. It is therefore important to consider this rule before making frequent cancellations.
Special cases: long-term stays
Long-term stays, defined as those of 28 days or more, are subject to specific cancellation rules. If you cancel before the start of the stay, you will receive a refund corresponding to the amount paid in advance. However, if the cancellation occurs after the stay has started, the host can retain a portion of the payment covering up to 30 nights, depending on the listing’s terms. These rules ensure financial security for the host in case of late cancellations for extended stays.
The different cancellation policies
Airbnb offers several cancellation policies depending on the host’s choice. Here are the main options you may encounter.
Flexible cancellation policy
With the flexible policy, you can cancel up to 24 hours before check-in and receive a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, only the charges for the first night and service fees will be non-refundable.
Moderate cancellation policy
The moderate policy allows cancellation until 5 days before the scheduled arrival for a full refund. If you cancel less than 5 days prior, you will receive 50% refund on the remaining nights.
Strict cancellation policy
If the host has chosen a strict policy, you must cancel at least 14 days prior to the date of arrival to receive a full refund. After this period, only partial refunds are possible.
| Cancellation Policy | Cancellation Deadline | Refund | Example of Non-Refunded Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible | 24h before arrival | Full | Service fees (if late cancellation) |
| Moderate | 5 days before arrival | Full | First night + service fees |
| Strict | 14 days before arrival | Full | Less than 7 days: 50% refunded |
Extraordinary Circumstances
Airbnb has a specific policy for extraordinary circumstances that allow for reservation cancellations without fees, even outside of usual cancellation conditions. These circumstances include events such as natural disasters, pandemics, or military conflicts.
Travelers can then obtain a full refund, and hosts can cancel without incurring financial consequences. This helps to protect users in cases of force majeure.
| Event | Covered by Airbnb | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Natural disasters | Yes | Must make the accommodation uninhabitable or inaccessible |
| Pandemics or public health emergencies | Yes | Under conditions, except for COVID-19 cases |
| Non-binding travel advisories | No | Non-binding advice are not covered |
| Cancellation of a private event | No | e.g., wedding, concert, sporting event |
How to cancel a reservation?
To cancel a reservation, log into your Airbnb account, go to the “Trips” tab, and select the reservation you wish to cancel. Follow the instructions to finalize the cancellation, and be sure to check the applicable refund conditions for your reservation.
Conclusion: Understand the rules before booking
Before booking accommodation on Airbnb, take the time to review the cancellation conditions chosen by the host. If you have doubts about your travel dates, opt for a flexible policy to avoid unpleasant surprises.
With a good understanding of the policies, canceling on Airbnb can be a simple process. Feel free to contact customer service if you have any questions or need additional assistance.
