Yes, you can cancel most Airbnb reservations, but what you get back depends on when you cancel and the host's cancellation policy
Airbnb lets you cancel a reservation at any time before check-in, but the refund you receive—or whether you get one at all—is determined by the host's cancellation policy and how close you are to your arrival date. Some hosts offer full refunds if you cancel weeks in advance. Others have strict policies that give you nothing back if you cancel within days of arrival. A few hosts allow cancellations up until check-in with a full refund. Understanding which policy applies to your reservation before you book is the easiest way to avoid losing money.
The cancellation policy is displayed on every listing page before you reserve, labeled as Flexible, Moderate, Strict, or Non-refundable. Once you book, that policy is locked in and cannot be changed by the host. Airbnb also has an emergency override for genuine hardships like death or serious illness, though you must request it within 30 days of your reservation date.
Key Takeaways
- Every Airbnb listing shows the host's cancellation policy before you book, displayed as Flexible, Moderate, Strict, or Non-refundable.
- You cancel through the Airbnb app or website by going to your reservation, selecting "Cancel reservation," and confirming—the process takes less than a minute.
- Refunds are processed to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days after cancellation, though your bank may hold the deposit for an additional 1 to 3 days.
- If a host cancels on you, Airbnb automatically offers you a full refund or rebooking credit, even under strict policies.
- Extenuating circumstances like illness or a death in the family may may have access to you for a refund even under a strict policy if you contact Airbnb Support within 30 days of your reservation date.
The four cancellation policies and what each one means for your refund
Flexible policies refund your full payment if you cancel up to one day before check-in. After that point, you lose everything. This is the most guest-friendly option and is less common among hosts because it shifts all the risk to them.
Moderate policies give you a full refund if you cancel at least five days before check-in. Cancel between one and five days before, and you lose the first night's cost. Cancel within one day of check-in, and you lose the entire reservation. This is the middle ground and the most common policy.
Strict policies refund 50 percent of your payment if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in. Cancel between 7 and 30 days before, and you get nothing back. Cancel within seven days of check-in, and you lose everything. Hosts use this policy when they want to protect themselves from last-minute cancellations.
Non-refundable reservations cannot be cancelled for a refund under any circumstance except if the host cancels first or Airbnb determines an extenuating circumstance applies. These are rare and usually offered at a lower nightly rate to compensate guests for the risk they are taking.
How to cancel your reservation step by step
Open the Airbnb app or go to airbnb.com and sign in to your account. On the home screen, select "Trips" (on the app) or "Trips" in the top menu (on the website). Find the reservation you want to cancel and tap or click on it to open the details page.
Scroll down until you see the "Cancel reservation" button. Tap or click it. Airbnb will show you the cancellation policy for that listing and tell you exactly how much you will receive back. Review this amount carefully—it is your final note to see the refund before you confirm. If the amount is correct, select "Cancel reservation" again to confirm. You will receive a confirmation email within minutes, and the cancellation is final.
Your refund will be returned to the original payment method you used to book. This typically takes 5 to 10 business days, though some banks hold refunds for an additional 1 to 3 days before they appear in your account. If you do not see the refund after 10 business days, contact Airbnb Support with your confirmation number and they can investigate the delay.
When Airbnb may refund you even under a strict or non-refundable policy
Airbnb has an "Extenuating Circumstances" policy that can override a host's cancellation terms if something serious happens between the time you book and your check-in date. The policy covers events like a death in your when ready family, a serious illness or injury that prevents travel, or a natural disaster affecting your home or the listing location. Job loss, a change of plans, a cheaper listing becoming available, or travel restrictions that existed when you booked do not may have access to.
To request a refund under this policy, you must contact Airbnb Support within 30 days of your reservation date. You will need to provide documentation—a death certificate, a doctor's note, or a government disaster declaration, depending on the circumstance. Airbnb reviews each request individually and decides whether to grant a full refund, partial refund, or credit toward a future stay. There is no may provide, but hosts are not involved in this decision; Airbnb makes it directly.
What happens if the host cancels on you
If a host cancels your reservation, Airbnb automatically credits your account with the full amount you paid, regardless of their cancellation policy. You can use this credit to rebook another property on Airbnb, or you can request a refund to your original payment method by contacting Airbnb Support. The credit does not expire, so you can use it whenever you are ready to travel again.
Hosts are required to provide a reason when they cancel. Common reasons include a family emergency, a maintenance issue discovered at the property, or an overbooking error. If a host cancels within 30 days of your check-in date, Airbnb may also offer you a discount code toward your next booking as a gesture of goodwill, though this is not may provide. You will receive an email notification when ready when a host cancels.
Cancellation fees and service charges you should know about
Airbnb's service fee—the percentage Airbnb charges on top of the nightly rate—is non-refundable. If you book a $100 night with a 15 percent service fee ($15), and you cancel under a policy that refunds 50 percent, you receive $50 back, not $57.50. The service fee is kept by Airbnb regardless of whether you cancel. This is true even if you cancel under a Flexible policy.
Some hosts charge a cleaning fee in addition to the nightly rate. Cleaning fees are treated the same way as the nightly rate: they are refunded or forfeited according to the cancellation policy. If the policy refunds 50 percent, you get 50 percent of the cleaning fee back. The service fee on the cleaning fee is also non-refundable.
How to avoid losing money on a cancellation
Read the cancellation policy before you click "Reserve." Every listing page displays the policy in plain language near the price. If you think there is any chance you might need to cancel, choose a listing with a Flexible or Moderate policy, even if the nightly rate is slightly higher. The extra cost is insurance against losing your entire payment.
If you have already booked under a strict policy and circumstances change, contact Airbnb Support as soon as possible. The sooner you reach out, the more options Airbnb has to help you—they may be able to work with the host on a partial refund or rebook you at no extra cost if availability allows. Do not wait until the last minute.
Take screenshots of your reservation confirmation and the cancellation policy at the time you book. If there is ever a dispute about what you were promised, these images are proof of what the policy said on the day you reserved. Store them in a folder with your booking confirmation number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation the day before check-in?
Yes, you can cancel any time before check-in, but your refund depends on the host's policy. Under a Flexible policy, you get a full refund. Under Moderate, you lose the first night. Under Strict or Non-refundable, you lose everything. Check your reservation details to see which policy applies to your booking.
What if I cancel and then want to rebook the same property?
You can rebook it if the dates are still available and the host accepts your new request. However, you will be treated as a new guest, and the host may decline if they prefer established guests. Your refund from the cancellation will be processed separately from any new reservation you make.
Do I lose my money if the host cancels?
No. If a host cancels, you receive a full refund to your account credit or original payment method, regardless of their cancellation policy. You can rebook elsewhere or request the refund in cash by contacting Airbnb Support.
How long does it take to get my refund after I cancel?
Airbnb processes refunds within 5 to 10 business days. Your bank may take an additional 1 to 3 days to deposit the money. If you do not see it after 10 business days, contact Airbnb Support with your confirmation number and they can investigate.
Can I cancel if I just changed my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for any reason, but you will only receive a refund if the cancellation policy allows it. Changing your mind is not an extenuating circumstance, so Airbnb will not override a strict or non-refundable policy just because you no longer want to go.