How to Cancel an Airbnb Reservation

You can cancel your Airbnb reservation through the Airbnb app or website by going to your Trips, selecting the reservation, and clicking the Cancel Reservation button. The refund you receive depends on when you cancel relative to the check-in date and the host's cancellation policy. Airbnb shows you the exact refund amount before you confirm the cancellation, so you will know what to expect.

The cancellation takes effect when ready, and Airbnb notifies your host right away. Your refund processes to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days, though some payment processors take longer to post the money to your account. If you cancel very close to check-in, you may receive no refund at all, depending on the host's policy.

Key Takeaways

  • Cancel through the Airbnb app or website under your Trips section, and the refund amount appears before you confirm.
  • Your refund depends on the host's cancellation policy and how many days before check-in you cancel.
  • Refunds process to your original payment method in 5 to 10 business days, though your bank may take additional time to post the money.
  • If you cancel within a few days of check-in, the host's strict or moderate policy may result in little or no refund.
  • Airbnb's extenuating circumstances policy may allow a full refund even under a strict policy if you have a documented emergency.

Understanding Airbnb's Cancellation Policies

Every Airbnb listing shows the host's cancellation policy on the listing page before you book. Airbnb offers five standard policies: Flexible, Moderate, Firm, Strict, and Super Strict. A Flexible policy typically refunds your full amount if you cancel up to one day before check-in. A Moderate policy usually refunds most of your money if you cancel up to five days before check-in, but charges a fee if you cancel closer to the date.

A Firm policy refunds your full amount only if you cancel more than 30 days before check-in, and charges a fee for cancellations within 30 days. A Strict policy refunds your money only if you cancel more than 60 days before check-in. A Super Strict policy refunds your money only if you cancel more than 30 days before check-in, but keeps a larger portion of your payment if you cancel after that point.

The host sets the policy when they create the listing, and it applies to all reservations at that property. You see the specific refund amount for your dates before you confirm the cancellation, so you can decide whether to proceed.

Steps to Cancel Through the App or Website

On the Airbnb app, tap the profile icon at the bottom right, then tap Trips. Find the reservation you want to cancel and tap it. Scroll down and tap Cancel Reservation. Airbnb shows you the refund amount and the reason the host's policy allows or limits that refund. Review the amount, then tap Cancel Reservation again to confirm.

On the Airbnb website, log in, click the profile icon in the top right, and select Trips. Click the reservation you want to cancel. Scroll to the bottom and click Cancel Reservation. Review the refund amount and policy details, then click Cancel Reservation to confirm. The cancellation is final once you confirm.

After you cancel, Airbnb sends a notification to your host when ready. You will see the cancellation reflected in your Trips section, marked as Cancelled. Your refund appears in your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days.

When You Might Receive a Full Refund Despite a Strict Policy

Airbnb's extenuating circumstances policy allows hosts to issue a full refund even under a Strict or Super Strict policy if you have a documented emergency. Extenuating circumstances include serious illness or injury, death in your family, natural disasters, or government-mandated travel restrictions. You must contact Airbnb with documentation — such as a hospital record, death certificate, or government order — to request a refund under this policy.

To request an extenuating circumstances refund, go to your reservation, tap or click the Help button, and select the issue. Choose Cancellation or Refund, then explain your situation and upload your documentation. Airbnb reviews your request and decides whether it qualifies. This process can take several days, so contact Airbnb as soon as you know you cannot travel.

Airbnb does not consider financial hardship, work conflicts, or change of plans as extenuating circumstances, so those situations will not override the host's cancellation policy. The policy you agreed to when you booked is the one that applies unless you have a documented emergency.

What Happens to Your Payment After Cancellation

When you cancel, Airbnb calculates your refund based on the host's policy and the cancellation date. The refund goes back to the payment method you used to book — usually a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. Airbnb processes the refund within 5 to 10 business days, but your bank or payment processor may take additional time to post the money to your account.

If you paid with a credit card, the refund appears as a credit on your next statement or as a reversal of the original charge. If you paid with a debit card, the money returns to your bank account, though it may take 5 to 10 additional business days depending on your bank. If you paid with PayPal, the refund goes to your PayPal account first, and you can transfer it to your bank from there.

Airbnb does not hold refunds or delay them for any reason once the cancellation is confirmed. If your refund does not appear after 10 business days, contact Airbnb support through the Help button on your reservation to check the status.

Canceling a Reservation When the Host Has Already Canceled

If your host cancels the reservation, Airbnb automatically refunds your full payment regardless of the cancellation policy. You receive the refund within 5 to 10 business days. Airbnb also offers you a credit toward a future booking equal to the amount you paid, which you can use instead of waiting for the refund if you want to rebook quickly.

When a host cancels, you will see a notification in your Trips section explaining that the host canceled and offering you the refund or credit option. You do not need to take any action — the refund processes automatically. If the host cancels very close to your check-in date, Airbnb may offer you additional compensation or a credit toward your next booking, depending on the circumstances.

Disputing a Refund or Contacting Airbnb Support

If you believe your refund amount is incorrect or if you did not receive your refund after 10 business days, contact Airbnb through the Help button on your reservation. Describe the issue and provide any relevant details, such as the cancellation date, the policy shown at the time of booking, and the refund amount you received. Airbnb support reviews your case and responds within a few days.

If you canceled and then changed your mind, you cannot undo the cancellation through Airbnb. You would need to contact the host directly to ask if they will rebook you at the same rate, but they are not required to do so. Once a cancellation is confirmed, it is final on Airbnb's system.

For disputes about whether your situation qualifies as an extenuating circumstance, provide all documentation you have and explain your situation clearly. Airbnb reviews these cases individually, and support staff can escalate your request if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my reservation the day before check-in?

Yes, but your refund depends on the host's policy. A Flexible policy refunds your full amount if you cancel up to one day before check-in. A Moderate policy may charge a fee. A Firm, Strict, or Super Strict policy will likely refund little or nothing if you cancel that close to the date. Airbnb shows the exact refund amount before you confirm the cancellation.

How long does it take to get my refund after I cancel?

Airbnb processes refunds within 5 to 10 business days. Your bank or payment processor may take additional time to post the money to your account. If you paid with a credit card, the refund appears as a credit on your statement. If you paid with a debit card or PayPal, the timeline depends on your financial institution.

What if I cancel but the host has already canceled?

If the host canceled first, you receive a full refund automatically, regardless of the cancellation policy. Airbnb also offers you a credit toward a future booking equal to the amount you paid. You do not need to take any action — the refund processes automatically within 5 to 10 business days.

Can I get a refund if I cancel because of a work conflict?

No. Airbnb's extenuating circumstances policy covers serious illness, injury, death in the family, natural disasters, and government-mandated travel restrictions. Work conflicts and change of plans are not considered extenuating circumstances, so the host's cancellation policy applies instead.

What if I never received my refund after two weeks?

Contact Airbnb through the Help button on your reservation and describe the issue. Provide the cancellation date, the refund amount shown, and the date you canceled. Airbnb support investigates and can check the status of your refund with your payment processor if needed. Response typically takes a few days.