You can cancel a reservation request before the host accepts it, but the process and your refund depend on which stage the request is in

A reservation request on Airbnb is different from a confirmed booking. When you send a request instead of booking when ready, the host has time to review it and either accept or decline. If you change your mind before the host responds, you can cancel the request yourself—and you will not be charged. Once the host accepts your request and it becomes a confirmed reservation, cancellation follows Airbnb's standard cancellation policy, which may result in fees or forfeited payments depending on how close you are to the check-in date.

The key distinction matters because the steps you take and the money you keep depend on whether the host has acted on your request yet.

Key Takeaways

  • You can cancel a pending reservation request at any time before the host accepts it, and you will receive a full refund with no penalty.
  • Once a host accepts your request and it becomes a confirmed booking, standard cancellation policies explore, and you may lose money depending on the cancellation window.
  • The Airbnb app and website both show your request status clearly—look for "Pending response" or "Accepted" next to the listing name.
  • If a host declines your request, it is automatically cancelled and you keep your money; you do not need to take any action.
  • Cancelling a pending request takes less than one minute and requires no contact with the host.

How to cancel a pending request before the host responds

Open the Airbnb app or website and go to your Trips section. Find the reservation you want to cancel—it will show a status of "Pending response" or "Awaiting host response." Tap or click on the listing, then look for a menu button (three dots on mobile, or a similar icon on desktop). Select "Cancel request" from the menu.

Airbnb will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may ask why you are cancelling. You do not have to provide a reason, but Airbnb uses the feedback to improve the platform. Once you confirm, the request is cancelled when ready. The host will see that you have withdrawn your request, and you will receive a confirmation email from Airbnb. Your payment method will not be charged.

This process is the same whether you are using an iPhone, Android device, or a web browser. The entire cancellation takes under one minute.

What happens if the host accepts your request before you cancel

If the host accepts your request while you are trying to cancel, the request becomes a confirmed reservation and the cancellation rules change. You will no longer see "Cancel request" as an option. Instead, you will see "Cancel reservation," and Airbnb's standard cancellation policy for that listing will explore.

Cancellation policies vary by listing. Some hosts offer flexible cancellation (full refund up to one day before check-in), while others use moderate (full refund up to five days before) or strict policies (full refund only up to 30 days before, and a 50% refund up to 14 days before). A few listings have non-refundable rates, which means you forfeit your payment if you cancel at any point. Check the listing's cancellation policy before you send a request so you know what applies if plans change.

Cancelling a confirmed reservation after the host accepts

If you need to cancel after the host has accepted your request, go to Trips, select the reservation, and tap or click "Cancel reservation." Airbnb will show you the refund amount based on the listing's cancellation policy and the number of days until check-in. Review the refund before you confirm, because some policies result in partial refunds or no refund at all.

Once you confirm the cancellation, the host will be notified and your refund will be processed. The timing of the refund depends on your payment method—credit cards and debit cards typically receive refunds within 5 to 10 business days, while other methods may take longer. Airbnb will send you a confirmation email with the refund amount and expected arrival date.

If you are within a cancellation window that allows a full refund, you will see the full amount. If you are in a window that results in a partial refund or no refund, Airbnb will clearly show that before you complete the cancellation.

If the host declines your request

When a host declines your request, Airbnb automatically cancels it on your behalf. You do not need to take any action. The listing will disappear from your Trips section, and you will receive an email notification that the host declined. Your payment method will not be charged because the request never became a confirmed reservation.

If you still want to stay at that property, you can send another request or, if the host allows when ready booking, book directly without sending a request. Some hosts decline requests because those dates are no longer available, so check the calendar before sending a second request.

Cancelling a request on the Airbnb website versus the app

The steps are nearly identical on both platforms. On the website, log in, click your profile icon, select "Trips," find the pending request, and click the three-dot menu next to the listing name. On the app, open Trips, swipe left on the listing (iPhone) or long-press it (Android), and select "Cancel request" from the menu that appears.

Both methods show the same confirmation screen and send the same cancellation notification to the host. If you have trouble finding the menu on mobile, make sure you are viewing the request in your Trips section, not in a search result or saved listing.

What to do if you cannot find the cancel option

If you do not see a "Cancel request" or "Cancel reservation" button, the request may have already been accepted or declined. Check the status label next to the listing name—if it says "Accepted," the host has already confirmed your booking and you need to use "Cancel reservation" instead. If it says "Declined," the request is already cancelled and you do not need to do anything.

If the status is unclear or the cancel option is missing for another reason, contact Airbnb Support through the app or website. Go to the Help section, select the trip in question, and choose "Contact us." Airbnb's support team can confirm the status of your request and help you cancel if there is a technical issue preventing you from doing so yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the host know I cancelled my request?

Yes, the host will receive a notification that you withdrew your request. They will see it in their messages or notifications, but Airbnb does not require you to explain why. The host cannot contact you about a cancelled request unless you have already exchanged messages with them.

Can I cancel a request after the host has already accepted it?

Yes, but it becomes a confirmed reservation cancellation, not a request cancellation. You will be subject to the listing's cancellation policy, which may result in fees or a partial refund depending on how close you are to check-in. Cancel as soon as possible to maximize your refund.

Do I get my money back if I cancel a pending request?

Yes, you receive a full refund with no fees if you cancel before the host accepts. Once the host accepts and it becomes a confirmed booking, refunds depend on the cancellation policy and how many days remain until check-in.

What if I sent a request and the host hasn't responded in days?

You can cancel the request at any time, even if the host has not responded. There is no penalty for cancelling a pending request, no matter how long it has been waiting. If you want to book the same dates with a different host, cancel this request first.

Can I cancel a request if I already paid?

Airbnb does not charge you until the host accepts your request. If you see a charge on your payment method, the host has already accepted and your reservation is confirmed. In that case, use "Cancel reservation" instead of "Cancel request," and the cancellation policy will determine your refund.