Yes, you can cancel most Airbnb bookings, but the refund depends on the cancellation policy and how far in advance you cancel
Airbnb lets you cancel a reservation through your account at any time before check-in. The amount of money you receive back depends on two things: the host's cancellation policy and how many days before arrival you cancel. Some policies refund you in full if you cancel early, while others keep a portion of your payment no matter when you cancel. A few policies offer no refund at all.
The cancellation policy is set by the host when they list the property, and you can see it before you book. It will be labeled as Flexible, Moderate, Strict, Non-refundable, or Super Strict. Understanding which one applies to your reservation is the first step to knowing what you'll get back.
Key Takeaways
- You can cancel through the Airbnb app or website by going to your reservation and selecting the cancel option, which appears until check-in day.
- Flexible policies refund your full payment if you cancel up to one day before arrival; Moderate policies refund if you cancel five days ahead; Strict policies keep 50 percent of your payment no matter when you cancel.
- Non-refundable and Super Strict policies return nothing, though you may receive Airbnb credit instead of a refund in some cases.
- If you cancel after the important date for your policy type, you will not receive a refund unless the host agrees to one or Airbnb makes an exception.
- Extenuating circumstances like illness or a death in the family sometimes may have access to for a refund even after the cancellation important date has passed.
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 on the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then select "Trips" or "Reservations." Find the booking you want to cancel and open it. You will see a button or link that says "Cancel reservation" — this option is available until the day of check-in.
Click or tap "Cancel reservation" and Airbnb will show you the refund amount you will receive based on the host's policy and your cancellation date. Review this amount carefully before you confirm. Once you confirm the cancellation, the host is notified and your reservation is removed from your account. The refund is processed to your original payment method within five to seven business days.
Understanding the five cancellation policy types
Flexible policies refund your full payment if you cancel up to one day before check-in. After that important date, you receive no refund. This is the most guest-friendly option.
Moderate policies refund your full payment if you cancel at least five days before check-in. If you cancel between one and five days before arrival, you lose the first night's cost. After check-in, no refund is given.
Strict policies refund your full payment only if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in. If you cancel between 7 and 30 days before arrival, you get back 50 percent of your payment. Cancellations within seven days receive no refund.
Non-refundable policies keep your entire payment no matter when you cancel. Airbnb may offer you a credit toward a future booking instead, but you will not receive money back to your original payment method.
Super Strict policies are the most restrictive. They refund your full payment only if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in. Any cancellation after that point results in no refund, though you may receive Airbnb credit.
What happens if you cancel after the refund important date
If your cancellation date falls outside the refund window for your policy type, Airbnb will not automatically return your money. The host has the option to offer you a refund as a courtesy, but they are not required to do so. You can message the host through Airbnb and explain your situation — some hosts will refund you voluntarily, especially if they can rebook the dates quickly.
Airbnb also has an exception process for extenuating circumstances. If you are canceling because of a serious illness, injury, death in the family, or a natural disaster affecting your travel, you can contact Airbnb Support and request a refund outside the normal policy. Airbnb reviews these requests on a case-by-case basis and may refund you even after the important date. You will need to provide documentation, such as a doctor's note or death certificate, to support your claim.
Receiving your refund and tracking the status
After you confirm a cancellation, Airbnb processes the refund to the payment method you used to book — usually a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet. The refund typically appears in your account within five to seven business days, though some banks take longer to post the credit. If you paid with a credit card, the refund shows as a credit on your statement.
You can check the status of your refund by opening the Airbnb app, going to "Account," and selecting "Payments and Payouts." Look for your canceled reservation in the transaction history. If the refund does not appear after seven business days, contact your bank or card issuer to confirm they received it. Airbnb Support can also look up the refund status if you provide your reservation number.
Messaging the host to request a refund outside the policy
If you want to ask the host for a refund after the cancellation important date, send a message through Airbnb's messaging system before you cancel. Explain your situation clearly and honestly — mention if you have an emergency, illness, or other genuine reason for canceling. Some hosts are willing to refund you if they believe you have a legitimate need and if they think they can rebook the dates.
Keep in mind that hosts are not obligated to refund you outside their stated policy, and many will decline. If the host agrees to a refund, ask them to confirm it in writing through the Airbnb message thread so you have a record. Do not send money directly to the host or make arrangements outside the Airbnb platform — this protects both you and the host.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel on the day of check-in?
No. The cancel option disappears on check-in day at the local time of the property. If you need to cancel after that point, you must contact Airbnb Support directly and explain your situation. They may make an exception if you have a genuine emergency, but a refund is not may provide.
What if the host cancels on me?
If the host cancels your reservation, Airbnb refunds your full payment automatically, regardless of their cancellation policy. You also receive a $25 Airbnb credit toward a future booking as compensation. The refund is processed within five to seven business days.
Do I get a refund if I cancel because of bad weather or travel restrictions?
Bad weather alone does not automatically may have access to for a refund outside the policy. However, if travel is legally restricted (such as a government travel ban or closed roads), you can contact Airbnb Support with proof and request an exception. Airbnb reviews these cases individually.
Will I get Airbnb credit instead of a refund?
With Flexible, Moderate, and Strict policies, you receive a refund to your original payment method. With Non-refundable and Super Strict policies, Airbnb may offer you a credit toward a future booking instead. You can choose to accept the credit or decline it, but declining does not may have access to you to a refund.
How do I cancel a group booking?
If you booked for a group, you can cancel the entire reservation through your account using the same steps as a single booking. The refund is processed to the person who made the reservation. If only one person in the group needs to cancel, they cannot remove themselves — the entire booking must be canceled and rebooked without that person.