Yes, you can cancel an Airbnb reservation, but the refund depends on when you cancel and the host's cancellation policy
Airbnb lets you cancel most reservations through your account, and the money you get back depends on three things: how far ahead you cancel, which cancellation policy the host chose, and whether the reservation has already started. If you cancel well before check-in, you'll usually get your full payment back. If you cancel close to the date or after you've arrived, you may lose some or all of your money. The host's cancellation policy is set when they list the property, and Airbnb shows it to you before you book.
The cancellation process itself takes less than a minute and happens entirely through the Airbnb app or website. Once you confirm, the refund is calculated automatically and sent to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You cancel through the Airbnb app or website by finding the reservation and selecting the cancel option—the process takes less than a minute.
- Refunds are calculated based on the host's cancellation policy (flexible, moderate, strict, or non-refundable) and how many days before check-in you cancel.
- If you cancel after check-in has started, you forfeit your entire payment unless the host agrees to a refund outside the policy.
- Airbnb holds refunds for a set number of days before releasing them to your original payment method, typically 5 to 10 business days.
- If a host cancels on you, Airbnb offers a full refund plus a credit toward a future booking, regardless of their cancellation policy.
How to cancel your reservation through the app or website
Open the Airbnb app or go to airbnb.com and sign into your account. Tap or click "Trips" at the bottom of the app or in the top menu on the website. Find the reservation you want to cancel and tap or click on it to open the details. Scroll down until you see a "Cancel reservation" button and tap or click it.
Airbnb will show you the refund amount you'll receive based on the host's cancellation policy and the current date. Review this number carefully—it's the amount you'll get back, not the amount you'll lose. Once you confirm the cancellation, it's final. Airbnb sends a notification to the host and to you, and the refund process begins when ready. You'll receive an email confirmation with the cancellation details and the expected refund date.
Understanding the four cancellation policies and what you get back
Every Airbnb listing has one of four cancellation policies, and you can see which one applies before you book. Flexible policies let you cancel up to one day before check-in and get a full refund. Moderate policies give you a full refund if you cancel at least 7 days before check-in; if you cancel 1 to 6 days before, you lose the first night's fee. Strict policies refund 50 percent of your payment if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in, and nothing if you cancel within 30 days. Non-refundable rates offer no refund no matter when you cancel, though you may be able to reschedule to a different date at the same property.
The policy applies to your entire stay, not individual nights. So if you book five nights under a strict policy and cancel 15 days before check-in, you lose your entire payment, not just part of it. Airbnb shows the exact refund amount on the cancellation screen before you confirm, so you always know what you're getting back. The cleaning fee is included in the total and follows the same refund rules as the nightly rate.
What happens if you cancel after check-in has started
Once your check-in date arrives, you cannot cancel through the normal process and receive a refund. If you've already checked in and want to leave early, you forfeit the full amount you paid for the remaining nights. Airbnb does not prorate refunds for early departures under any cancellation policy.
The only exception is if the host agrees to cancel the reservation themselves and issue a refund outside the policy. This is entirely up to the host and not may provide. If you need to leave early due to an emergency, contact the host directly through the Airbnb messaging system and explain your situation—some hosts will work with you, but Airbnb's system won't force them to. Document any agreement in writing through the app before you leave.
When Airbnb refunds your money and where it goes
After you cancel, Airbnb processes the refund to your original payment method. This typically takes 5 to 10 business days, though it can take longer depending on your bank or credit card company. If you paid with a credit card, the refund appears as a credit on your statement. If you paid with a debit card, the money returns to your bank account. If you used Airbnb credit (from a previous host cancellation or a gift card), the refund goes back into your Airbnb account as credit.
You can check the status of your refund by going to your account, selecting "Trips," finding the cancelled reservation, and looking for refund details. Airbnb sends you an email confirmation when the refund is issued and another when it's been processed by your bank. If your refund doesn't appear after 10 business days, contact your bank first to confirm they haven't received it, then reach out to Airbnb support through the app with your confirmation number.
What to do if the host cancels on you
If a host cancels your reservation, Airbnb automatically refunds your full payment regardless of their cancellation policy. You also receive an Airbnb credit equal to the full booking amount that you can use toward any future reservation on the platform. This credit does not expire and can be applied to any listing, any date, and any length of stay.
The host must provide a reason for the cancellation, and Airbnb uses this information to monitor patterns. Hosts who cancel frequently may face penalties or removal from the platform. If a host cancels very close to your check-in date and you've already made travel arrangements, contact Airbnb support through the app or website and explain the situation—they may offer additional compensation or help you find an alternative listing.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Do not contact the host and ask them to cancel on your behalf so you can get a full refund. This violates Airbnb's terms and can result in your account being suspended. Airbnb tracks cancellations and can tell the difference between a guest-initiated cancellation and a host-initiated one, even if you coordinated it privately.
Do not wait until the last minute to cancel if you're unsure about your trip. Once check-in starts, you lose all your money. If you're on the fence, cancel early and rebook later if your plans change. Do not assume that travel insurance will cover an Airbnb cancellation—most standard travel policies do not, and you need a specific "cancel for any reason" rider, which is expensive and must be purchased at the time of booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation the day before check-in?
It depends on the host's cancellation policy. If the policy is flexible, yes—you get a full refund. If it's moderate, strict, or non-refundable, you'll lose money or get nothing back. Airbnb shows you the refund amount before you confirm the cancellation, so check that first.
What if I cancel but the host doesn't accept it?
The host cannot reject a cancellation you initiate through Airbnb. Once you cancel through the app or website, it's done. The refund is processed according to the policy, and the host is notified. The host can only cancel on you, not the other way around.
Can I reschedule instead of cancelling?
Airbnb does not have an official reschedule feature. You must cancel the current reservation and book a new one separately. The refund from the cancellation and the cost of the new booking are handled as two separate transactions, so you may end up paying more if prices have risen.
What if my refund doesn't show up after 10 days?
Contact your bank or credit card company first—delays on their end are common. If your bank confirms they haven't received it, go to the Airbnb app, find the cancelled reservation, and select "Help" to contact Airbnb support. Have your confirmation number and the cancellation date ready.
Do I get my cleaning fee back if I cancel?
The cleaning fee is part of your total payment and is subject to the same cancellation policy as the nightly rate. If the policy refunds you, the cleaning fee is included. If the policy doesn't refund you, neither does the cleaning fee.