Yes, you can cancel an Airbnb reservation, but what you get back depends on the cancellation policy attached to that listing and when you cancel
Airbnb lets you cancel any reservation you have made, but the refund you receive — or whether you receive one at all — is determined by the host's cancellation policy and how many days before check-in you cancel. Some policies refund your full payment if you cancel early; others refund nothing if you cancel within a certain window. A few hosts offer a middle ground: a partial refund if you cancel with less notice.
The cancellation policy is set by the host, not by Airbnb, and it appears on the listing page before you book. You can see which policy applies to your reservation by opening your booking confirmation. If you need to cancel, you initiate it through the Airbnb app or website, and the refund (if one applies) goes back to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Cancellation policies are set by individual hosts and range from fully refundable to non-refundable, with the refund amount depending on how many days before check-in you cancel.
- You can see the exact cancellation policy on the listing page before you book, and your confirmation email shows which policy applies to your reservation.
- To cancel, open the Airbnb app or website, go to your reservation, and select the cancel option; you do not need to contact the host first.
- Refunds are processed to your original payment method and typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days, though the timeline can vary by bank.
- If you cancel and then rebook the same property, you may pay a different price and be subject to a different cancellation policy.
The five Airbnb cancellation policies and what each one means for your refund
Airbnb offers hosts five standard cancellation policies to choose from. Flexible refunds your full payment if you cancel up to 24 hours before check-in. Moderate refunds your full payment if you cancel up to 5 days before check-in; after that, you lose 50 percent of the nightly rate for the first night. Strict refunds your full payment only if you cancel more than 30 days before check-in; between 7 and 30 days out, you get 50 percent back; within 7 days, you get nothing.
Super Strict refunds your full payment only if you cancel more than 60 days before check-in; between 30 and 60 days out, you get 50 percent back; within 30 days, you get nothing. Non-refundable means you receive no refund under any circumstance, though Airbnb's rebooking credit (see below) may still explore.
Some hosts also offer a Non-refundable with free cancellation option, which means you can cancel without penalty up to a certain number of days before check-in, but if you cancel after that window closes, you forfeit your payment. Check your confirmation email to see which policy your host chose.
How to cancel your reservation through the app or website
Open the Airbnb app or go to airbnb.com and sign in. Tap or click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then select "Trips" or "Reservations." Find the booking you want to cancel and tap or click on it to open the reservation details.
Look for a "Cancel reservation" button or link, usually near the top or bottom of the page. Tap or click it. Airbnb will show you the cancellation policy for that listing and calculate your refund based on today's date and your check-in date. Review the amount you will receive, then confirm the cancellation. You will see a confirmation message on screen and receive a confirmation email within a few minutes.
Do not contact the host before canceling through the app — the cancellation is official only when you complete it in Airbnb's system. If you message the host first, they may ask you to cancel through the app anyway, and you will have wasted time.
What happens if you cancel and then rebook the same property
If you cancel a reservation and then book the same listing again for different dates, you are treated as a new booking. The price may be different (Airbnb pricing changes daily), and the cancellation policy is whatever the host has set at that moment — hosts can change their policies between bookings.
You do not get a discount or special rate for rebooking. If the original reservation had a flexible policy and the host has since switched to strict, your new booking will be subject to the strict policy. Check the cancellation policy on the new listing page before you confirm the booking.
Airbnb's rebooking credit and when it applies
If you cancel a reservation and the host later rebooks that same dates with another guest, Airbnb may issue you a rebooking credit equal to the difference between what you paid and what the new guest paid. This credit can be used toward a future Airbnb booking.
This credit is not automatic and does not explore to all cancellations. It typically applies only to cancellations made well in advance and only if the host successfully rebooks at a lower price. If the host rebooks at the same price or higher, you receive no credit. Airbnb will notify you by email if a credit has been issued.
Do not count on a rebooking credit when you cancel. It is a rare outcome and should not factor into your decision to cancel.
Cancellations within 48 hours of check-in and extenuating circumstances
If you cancel within 48 hours of your check-in date, you will almost certainly lose your entire payment, regardless of the cancellation policy. Airbnb considers this a last-minute cancellation and treats it as a loss to the host.
Airbnb does have an extenuating circumstances policy that may override the cancellation policy in cases of serious hardship — death in the family, severe illness, natural disaster, or similar events. If you believe your situation qualifies, contact Airbnb support through the app or website and explain what happened. Airbnb will review your case and may issue a refund or credit even if the cancellation policy would normally deny one. There is no may provide, and Airbnb's decision is final, but it is worth reporting if your cancellation is due to a genuine emergency.
How long refunds take and where the money goes
Airbnb processes refunds to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days of your cancellation. If you paid with a credit card, the refund appears as a credit on your card statement. If you paid with a debit card, the money returns to your bank account. If you paid with PayPal or another third-party service, the refund goes back to that account.
The timeline can vary depending on your bank or card issuer. Some banks post refunds within 2 to 3 business days; others take the full 10 days. If you do not see the refund after 10 business days, contact Airbnb support and provide your reservation confirmation number. They can check the status and push the refund through if there is a delay on their end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation without losing money?
Yes, if the listing has a flexible cancellation policy and you cancel more than 24 hours before check-in, or if the host's policy allows a full refund within your cancellation window. Check your confirmation email to see the exact policy and important date. If you are past the refund window, you will lose some or all of your payment.
What if the host cancels instead of me?
If the host cancels your reservation, you receive a full refund regardless of the cancellation policy, plus Airbnb issues a rebooking credit equal to 50 percent of what you paid. You can use this credit toward any future booking on the platform.
Can I get a refund if I cancel because of bad weather or travel delays?
Bad weather and travel delays are not considered extenuating circumstances by Airbnb, so the standard cancellation policy applies. If you cancel after the refund window closes, you will not receive money back. Plan your travel with buffer time and consider booking a flexible listing if weather is a concern.
Do I have to message the host before I cancel?
No. You can cancel directly through the app or website without contacting the host. If you want to explain why you are canceling or ask the host to make an exception, you can message them, but the cancellation is official only when you complete it in Airbnb's system.
What if I cancel and Airbnb shows a different refund amount than I expected?
Airbnb calculates the refund based on the cancellation policy, the number of days until check-in, and any service fees or taxes. Review the breakdown on the cancellation confirmation page. If the amount does not match the policy shown on your listing, contact Airbnb support with your reservation number and ask them to explain the calculation.