Yes, you can cancel an Airbnb reservation, but the refund depends on when you cancel and the host's cancellation policy

You can cancel any Airbnb reservation at any time through the app or website. The amount you get back — if anything — is determined by three things: the host's cancellation policy, how many days before check-in you cancel, and whether the host has already accepted your booking. A cancellation made 30 days before arrival under a flexible policy may refund your full payment. A cancellation made two days before under a strict policy may refund nothing.

Airbnb does not charge you a cancellation fee. The host's policy decides what portion of your payment the host keeps. You need to understand your host's specific policy before you book, because the rules are not the same across all listings.

Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb has five standard cancellation policies — flexible, moderate, firm, strict, and super strict — and each one sets different refund amounts based on how many days before check-in you cancel.
  • You cancel through the Airbnb app or website by going to your reservation, selecting "Cancel reservation", and confirming; the refund processes to your original payment method within five to ten business days.
  • If you cancel within the host's grace period (usually 48 hours for flexible policies), you typically receive a full refund minus Airbnb's service fee.
  • Cancellations made close to check-in under strict or super strict policies often result in no refund, so reading the policy before booking is the only way to know your risk.
  • If the host cancels on you, Airbnb provides a full refund plus a credit toward a future booking, regardless of their policy.

The five cancellation policies and what each one means

Flexible policies refund your full payment if you cancel within 48 hours of booking, or up to 14 days before check-in. After that window, you lose the first night's payment. This is the most forgiving option for guests.

Moderate policies refund your full payment if you cancel up to 7 days before check-in. Between 7 and 3 days before, you lose 50 percent of the nightly rate for each night. Within 3 days of check-in, you lose the entire reservation cost.

Firm policies refund your full payment only if you cancel more than 30 days before check-in. Between 30 and 14 days before, you lose 50 percent. Within 14 days, you lose everything. This policy protects the host's income but leaves you with little room for change.

Strict policies refund 50 percent of your payment only if you cancel more than 30 days before check-in. Any cancellation within 30 days forfeits your entire payment. Some strict policies include a 5-day grace period after booking for a full refund.

Super strict policies refund nothing except Airbnb's service fee, no matter when you cancel. These are rare and usually appear on high-demand properties or during peak seasons. The host keeps your entire payment.

How to cancel your reservation step by step

Open the Airbnb app or go to airbnb.com and sign in. Tap or click "Trips" at the bottom or top of the screen, then select the reservation you want to cancel. Scroll down and tap or click "Cancel reservation".

Airbnb will show you the cancellation policy for that listing and tell you exactly how much you will receive back. Read this carefully — it shows your refund amount, not a percentage. Confirm that you understand, then tap or click "Cancel reservation" again to complete it.

Your refund processes to the original payment method you used to book. This usually takes five to ten business days, though it can take longer depending on your bank or payment provider. You will receive a confirmation email with the refund amount and expected arrival date.

What happens if you cancel within the grace period

Most flexible policies include a grace period of 48 hours after you complete the booking. During this window, you can cancel and receive your full payment back, minus Airbnb's service fee (usually 3 percent). This is the safest time to change your mind.

The grace period applies only to your first cancellation and only if the host has already accepted your booking. If you cancel before the host accepts, the reservation is straightforward removed and you get a full refund of all charges.

After the grace period ends, the host's full cancellation policy takes over. A flexible policy may still offer a full refund if you are more than 14 days out, but you will not get the service fee back.

Cancellations close to your check-in date

The closer you are to check-in, the less you recover. Under a flexible policy, a cancellation within 14 days of arrival costs you the first night. Under a firm policy, a cancellation within 14 days costs you everything. Under a strict or super strict policy, you lose your entire payment if you cancel within 30 days.

If you are thinking about canceling, check your reservation when ready to see how many days remain. The difference between canceling 15 days out and 14 days out can mean the difference between a partial refund and losing your entire payment.

Some hosts will work with you if you contact them directly before you cancel through the app. They may agree to modify the dates, issue a credit toward a future stay, or accept a cancellation outside their stated policy. This is not may provide, but it is worth asking if you have a legitimate reason for canceling.

What to do if the host cancels on you

If the host cancels your reservation, you receive a full refund of all charges, including Airbnb's service fee. You also receive a credit equal to your nightly rate that you can use toward any future Airbnb booking. This credit does not expire for one year.

Airbnb sends you a notification when the host cancels and explains the reason if one was provided. You do not need to do anything to receive your refund — it processes automatically. If you do not see the refund within ten business days, contact Airbnb support through the app or website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I cancel the day before check-in?

It depends on the host's policy. Under a flexible policy, you lose the first night's payment. Under a moderate policy, you lose 100 percent. Under firm, strict, or super strict policies, you also lose 100 percent. Check your reservation details to see the exact refund amount before you cancel.

What if I cancel but the host refuses to accept the cancellation?

The host cannot refuse a cancellation. Once you tap "Cancel reservation" in the app, the cancellation is final. The refund amount is determined by the policy, not by the host's agreement. If you do not see the refund within ten business days, contact Airbnb support.

Do I lose my service fee if I cancel?

The service fee is refunded only if you cancel within the grace period (usually 48 hours after booking) or if the host cancels on you. If you cancel after the grace period, Airbnb keeps the service fee and the host keeps the portion of your nightly rate set by their policy.

Can I cancel and rebook at a different property to get a better rate?

You can cancel and rebook, but you will lose money if you are outside the grace period. The refund you receive will be less than what you paid, and you will pay a new service fee on the second booking. It is usually cheaper to contact the original host and ask about modifying your dates.

What if I have an emergency and need to cancel last minute?

Airbnb does not have an emergency cancellation policy that overrides the host's stated policy. Your refund is determined by when you cancel and the host's rules. If you believe you have a genuine hardship, you can contact Airbnb support and explain the situation, but there is no may provide they will make an exception.