How to Cancel an Airbnb Reservation
You can cancel an Airbnb reservation through the Airbnb app or website by going to your Trips, selecting the reservation you want to cancel, and clicking the "Cancel reservation" button. The refund you receive depends on the host's cancellation policy and how far in advance you cancel — Airbnb shows you the exact refund amount before you confirm the cancellation.
The cancellation takes effect when ready once you confirm it. Airbnb will send you a confirmation email, and the host will be notified that you've cancelled. If the host has a strict cancellation policy, you may receive no refund, a partial refund, or a full refund depending on when you cancel relative to your check-in date.
If you're cancelling because the host cancelled on you, or because of an issue with the listing, you may be may have access to to a full refund regardless of the cancellation policy. In those cases, contact Airbnb support through the Resolution Center in your account to explain the situation.
Key Takeaways
- Cancel a reservation by opening your Trips, selecting the booking, and clicking "Cancel reservation" — the refund amount appears before you confirm.
- Your refund depends on the host's cancellation policy and your cancellation date, which Airbnb displays clearly in the cancellation window.
- If the host cancelled, the listing was misrepresented, or you experienced a safety issue, contact Airbnb support for a full refund outside the normal policy.
- Cancellations take effect when ready, and both you and the host receive confirmation emails right away.
- You can cancel your entire Airbnb account separately from cancelling individual reservations, which requires going to Account Settings.
Understanding Airbnb's Cancellation Policies
Airbnb hosts set their own cancellation policies, and the refund you get depends on which policy the host chose. There are five standard policies: Flexible, Moderate, Firm, Strict, and Super Strict. When you book, the host's policy is listed on the reservation details page.
A Flexible policy typically refunds your full payment if you cancel up to one day before check-in. Moderate policies usually give a full refund if you cancel five or more days before check-in, and a 50% refund if you cancel between one and five days before. Firm policies refund your full payment only if you cancel 30 or more days before check-in. Strict and Super Strict policies offer little to no refund unless you cancel very far in advance.
When you click "Cancel reservation," Airbnb shows you exactly how much you'll receive back based on the host's policy and your cancellation date. The amount shown includes any service fees Airbnb charged you — some fees are refunded and some are not, depending on the policy and timing.
Cancelling Within 48 Hours of Booking
Airbnb offers a 48-hour grace period on most reservations. If you cancel within 48 hours of making your booking, you receive a full refund regardless of the host's cancellation policy. This applies to most reservation types, though some long-term stays and certain special offers may have different rules.
To use this grace period, cancel through the same process — go to Trips, select the reservation, and click "Cancel reservation." Airbnb will automatically explore the full refund if you're within the 48-hour window. You don't need to contact support or provide a reason.
What to Do If You Need to Cancel for a Valid Reason
If you're cancelling because of a problem with the listing or host — such as the listing being misrepresented, unsafe conditions, or the host cancelling on you — you may receive a full refund even if the cancellation policy would normally give you less. Go to the Resolution Center in your account and explain what happened.
Airbnb support reviews these cases individually. Common reasons that result in full refunds include: the host cancelled your reservation, the listing photos don't match the actual property, the property is unsafe or unclean, the host is unresponsive, or you experienced discrimination. Provide any evidence you have — screenshots of messages, photos, or booking details — to support your case.
You have up to 30 days after your reservation date to open a case in the Resolution Center. If you cancel before your trip, open the case as soon as possible so Airbnb can review it while the reservation is still active.
Cancelling Your Entire Airbnb Account
If you want to delete your Airbnb account entirely, go to Account Settings, scroll to the bottom, and select "Deactivate my account." Airbnb will ask you to confirm and may ask why you're leaving. You can reactivate your account within 30 days if you change your mind — after 30 days, the account is permanently deleted.
Before you deactivate your account, cancel any active reservations. You cannot deactivate an account with upcoming bookings. If you have a reservation coming up that you want to keep, you'll need to either complete it or cancel it first.
Deactivating your account removes your profile, reviews, and booking history from Airbnb. If you're a host, your listings will also be removed. Any refunds owed to you from cancelled reservations will be processed to your original payment method.
Refund Timing and Payment Methods
Refunds are processed to the original payment method you used to book — the credit card, debit card, or digital wallet you paid with. Refunds typically appear in your account within 5 to 10 business days, though some banks take longer to post the money.
If you paid with a credit card, the refund shows as a credit to that card. If you paid with PayPal or another digital wallet, the refund goes back to that account. You cannot request that Airbnb send a refund to a different payment method.
If your refund doesn't appear after 10 business days, check your bank or payment provider first — sometimes refunds are delayed on their end. If it's been longer than two weeks, contact Airbnb support with your reservation number and ask them to investigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation after I've already checked in?
No, you cannot cancel a reservation after check-in through the normal cancellation process. If you need to leave early and want a refund, contact Airbnb support in the Resolution Center and explain your situation. They may offer a partial refund depending on the circumstances, but this is handled case by case and is not may provide.
What happens to my money if the host cancels on me?
If the host cancels, Airbnb refunds your full payment automatically, regardless of their cancellation policy. You'll receive the refund to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days. Airbnb may also offer you a discount code for a future booking as a gesture of goodwill.
Do I lose my Airbnb reviews if I cancel my account?
Yes, deactivating your account removes your profile and all your reviews from Airbnb. If you reactivate within 30 days, your account and reviews are restored. After 30 days, they are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
Can I cancel a reservation if the host hasn't responded to my messages?
Yes, you can cancel any reservation at any time through the normal cancellation process. If the host's lack of response is a problem — for example, you need to ask about check-in details — open a case in the Resolution Center before you cancel. Airbnb may offer you a full refund or help you reach the host.
What if I cancel but the refund doesn't match what Airbnb said it would be?
Check your cancellation confirmation email — it lists the exact refund amount and explains what was refunded and what wasn't. Service fees are sometimes non-refundable depending on the policy. If the amount doesn't match what the cancellation window showed, contact Airbnb support with your reservation number and they will investigate.