Yes, you can cancel an Airbnb reservation, but what you get back depends on the cancellation policy attached to your booking
You can cancel any Airbnb reservation at any time through the Airbnb app or website. The refund you receive—if any—is determined by the host's cancellation policy and how close you are to your check-in date. Some policies refund your full payment up to a certain number of days before arrival. Others refund nothing once you book. A few fall somewhere in between, refunding a percentage of your payment or only the service fees.
The cancellation policy was set by the host when they listed the property, and it was visible before you completed your booking. Airbnb does not override host policies, but there are limited situations—like a host cancelling on you, or Airbnb determining the listing is unsafe—where you may receive a full refund regardless of the stated policy.
Key Takeaways
- You cancel through the Airbnb app or website by going to your reservation and selecting the cancel option; the refund amount depends on the host's policy and your cancellation date.
- Cancellation policies range from fully refundable up to 30 days before check-in, to non-refundable once booked, with many policies offering partial refunds at different time windows.
- If the host cancels on you or Airbnb removes the listing for safety reasons, you receive a full refund even if the policy would normally deny one.
- Refunds are processed to your original payment method and typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days, though some payment methods take longer.
How to Cancel Your Reservation
Open the Airbnb app or go to airbnb.com and sign into your account. Tap or click the profile icon, then select "Trips" or "Reservations." Find the booking you want to cancel and open it. You will see a "Cancel reservation" button or link—the exact wording varies slightly depending on whether you are on mobile or desktop, but it is always visible on the reservation details page.
Click or tap that button. Airbnb will show you the cancellation policy for that specific listing and tell you exactly how much you will receive back. Review this amount carefully before confirming. Once you confirm the cancellation, the process is complete on your end. The host will be notified, and your refund will be processed according to the timeline shown on the confirmation screen.
Understanding Cancellation Policies and Refund Amounts
Airbnb hosts choose from several preset cancellation policies. The most common are Flexible (full refund if you cancel up to 1 day before check-in), Moderate (full refund up to 5 days before, 50% refund between 5 days and 1 day before), and Strict (full refund up to 14 days before, 50% refund between 14 and 3 days before, no refund within 3 days). Some hosts use Non-refundable policies, which refund nothing once you book, though Airbnb service fees may still be returned in some cases.
A few hosts offer Super Strict policies, which refund nothing at any point. Before you book, the cancellation policy is listed on the listing page under "Cancellation policy"—read it carefully, because it is the contract you are entering. If you cancel after the refund window closes, you will not receive money back, even if you have a legitimate reason like illness or a family emergency.
When Airbnb Refunds You Regardless of the Policy
Airbnb overrides the host's cancellation policy in specific situations. If the host cancels on you, you receive a full refund plus a credit for the same amount to rebook another property. If Airbnb determines the listing is unsafe or misrepresented—for example, the photos do not match the actual property, or there is a serious safety issue—you receive a full refund. If the host fails to meet Airbnb's standards for cleanliness or communication, or if the property is damaged or unavailable when you arrive, you may also receive a full refund or rebooking credit.
If you believe your situation falls into one of these categories, contact Airbnb support through the app or website. Go to your reservation, scroll down, and select "Get help with this reservation." Describe the issue and provide any evidence (photos, messages, etc.). Airbnb support will review your case and determine whether a refund or credit is warranted. This process typically takes a few days.
How Long Refunds Take to Arrive
Once you cancel, Airbnb processes the refund to your original payment method. The timeline depends on your bank or payment service. Most refunds appear within 5 to 10 business days. Credit cards and debit cards sometimes take longer—up to 10 business days—because the card issuer must post the credit to your account. PayPal and other digital wallets often process faster, sometimes within 2 to 3 business days.
If you do not see the refund within 10 business days, check your bank or payment account to confirm it has not already arrived. If it has not, contact Airbnb support and provide your reservation confirmation number. They can verify the refund was issued and investigate any delays on their end.
Cancelling Close to Your Check-In Date
The closer you are to check-in, the less likely you are to receive a refund under most policies. If you are cancelling within 1 to 3 days of arrival, check the policy carefully—you may receive nothing. Some hosts offer a small courtesy refund even within the non-refundable window, but this is not may provide and depends on the individual host.
If you have a genuine emergency and are cancelling very close to check-in, you can message the host directly through Airbnb and explain your situation. Some hosts will agree to a partial refund or rebook you for a different date as a courtesy, even if the policy does not require it. However, they are not obligated to do so. If the host declines and you believe the cancellation is due to circumstances beyond your control, you can contact Airbnb support, though they will generally uphold the stated policy unless there is a safety or health issue involved.
What Happens to Service Fees
Airbnb charges a service fee on top of the nightly rate. When you cancel, the refund of this fee depends on the cancellation policy and how close you are to check-in. Under most policies, if you would receive a refund of the accommodation cost, you also receive a refund of the service fee. If the policy is non-refundable and you cancel after the refund window, the service fee is also non-refundable.
The cancellation confirmation screen will show you the exact breakdown: how much of the nightly rate you are getting back and whether the service fee is included. If you are unsure, take a screenshot of this screen before confirming, so you have a record of what Airbnb told you to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation and rebook the same property for a different date?
Yes, you can cancel and rebook separately. However, if you cancel under a non-refundable policy, you will lose that money and have to pay the full price for a new reservation. If you want to change your dates, message the host first and ask if they will allow you to modify the reservation instead of cancelling and rebooking—many hosts will do this to avoid losing the booking.
What if the host messages me after I cancel and offers a partial refund?
If the host offers to refund you money outside of Airbnb's system, decline. Airbnb does not protect transactions that happen off-platform. If the host wants to issue a refund, ask them to do it through Airbnb's resolution center so there is a record and protection for both of you.
Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation if I already checked in?
You can request to cancel after check-in, but Airbnb treats this differently. You will need to contact Airbnb support and explain why you want to leave early. Refunds for early departures are rare and depend on the specific circumstances. The host is not required to refund you for nights you do not use.
Do I lose my money if the host cancels on me?
No. If the host cancels, you receive a full refund of your payment plus an Airbnb credit for the same amount to rebook another property. The credit can be used for any Airbnb reservation and does not expire for one year.
What if I cancel but the refund never shows up?
Wait at least 10 business days from the cancellation date. If the refund still has not arrived, contact your bank or payment provider to confirm they have not received it. If they have not, contact Airbnb support with your reservation confirmation number and ask them to investigate the refund status.