How to cancel an Airbnb reservation

You can cancel your Airbnb booking through the Airbnb app or website by going to your reservations, selecting the booking you want to cancel, and clicking the "Cancel reservation" button. The process takes about two minutes. Your refund amount depends on when you cancel relative to the host's cancellation policy and your check-in date.

Airbnb does not process refunds when ready. After you cancel, the money goes back to your original payment method—the same card or account you used to book. This can take 5 to 10 business days to appear in your account, depending on your bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Cancel through the Airbnb app or website by finding your reservation and selecting "Cancel reservation"—you do not need to contact the host first.
  • Your refund amount is determined by the host's cancellation policy (strict, moderate, or flexible) and how many days before check-in you cancel.
  • Refunds return to your original payment method and typically take 5 to 10 business days to appear.
  • If you cancel within the host's grace period (usually 48 hours after booking), you may receive a full refund regardless of their policy.
  • Extenuating circumstances like illness or emergency may allow a refund outside the normal policy if you contact Airbnb support.

Understanding Airbnb cancellation policies

Every Airbnb listing shows the host's cancellation policy before you book. The three main types are flexible, moderate, and strict. A flexible policy typically refunds most of your money if you cancel up to one day before check-in. A moderate policy usually refunds a percentage if you cancel 5 to 7 days before check-in, and a strict policy may refund only 50 percent or nothing at all depending on how close you are to the date.

The exact refund percentage and important date vary by listing. Before you book, scroll down on the listing page to see the host's specific policy. It will show you exactly what you get back if you cancel at different points in time. If you have already booked and need to check the policy, go to your reservations, select the booking, and look for "Cancellation policy" in the details section.

The 48-hour grace period

Airbnb allows you to cancel most reservations within 48 hours of booking and receive a full refund, even if the host's policy is strict. This grace period applies to almost all bookings made on or after November 10, 2015, regardless of the cancellation policy you agreed to.

To use the grace period, you must cancel within 48 hours of the time you completed your booking—not 48 hours before check-in. If you booked on a Tuesday at 3 p.m., you have until Thursday at 3 p.m. to cancel and get your full payment back. After that window closes, the host's cancellation policy takes over.

Step-by-step cancellation process

On the Airbnb website: Log in to your account, click the profile icon in the top right, select "Trips," find the reservation you want to cancel, click on it, scroll down, and click "Cancel reservation." You will see the refund amount before you confirm. Review it, then click "Cancel reservation" again to complete the cancellation.

On the Airbnb app: Open the app, tap the profile icon at the bottom right, tap "Trips," select the reservation, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Cancel reservation." The app will show your refund amount and ask you to confirm. Tap "Cancel reservation" to finish.

After you cancel, Airbnb sends a confirmation email to the address on your account. The host is also notified automatically. You do not need to message the host or contact Airbnb support unless you have a question about your refund amount.

What happens to your money after cancellation

Airbnb refunds go back to the payment method you used to book—your credit card, debit card, PayPal account, or other original source. The refund does not appear as a credit in your Airbnb account; it returns to your bank or payment provider.

The timeline depends on your bank, not Airbnb. Most refunds appear within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks take longer, especially if you used a debit card or if the cancellation happens over a weekend or holiday. If more than 10 business days have passed and you do not see the refund, contact your bank to check the status, then reach out to Airbnb support if your bank confirms they have not received it.

Cancellations due to illness, emergency, or extenuating circumstances

If you need to cancel because of a serious illness, injury, death in the family, or other emergency, Airbnb may refund you outside the normal cancellation policy. This is not automatic—you must contact Airbnb support and explain your situation. Have documentation ready, such as a hospital note, death certificate, or airline cancellation confirmation.

Airbnb reviews these requests on a case-by-case basis. There is no may provide of a refund, but the company does consider genuine hardships. Contact support through the app or website by going to your reservation, scrolling down, and clicking "Get help with this reservation." Explain your circumstances clearly and attach any supporting documents.

Common mistakes to avoid when canceling

Do not wait until the last minute if you are unsure. If you think you might cancel, do it within the grace period to may provide a full refund. Waiting until a few days before check-in may mean losing most or all of your money, depending on the policy.

Do not assume the host will agree to a refund if you message them instead of canceling through Airbnb. The host has no obligation to refund you outside their stated policy, and canceling through the app or website is the only way to enforce the policy terms you agreed to. If you cancel through Airbnb, the refund is may provide according to the policy; if you ask the host directly, they can refuse.

Do not contact your bank to dispute the charge before contacting Airbnb. If you file a chargeback or dispute with your bank, Airbnb may suspend your account. Always try the cancellation process or contact Airbnb support first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel an Airbnb booking after check-in has started?

No. Once you have checked in, you cannot cancel through the normal process. If you need to leave early, contact the host directly to discuss options. Some hosts may refund a portion of unused nights, but this is entirely up to them and not covered by Airbnb's cancellation policy.

What if the host cancels on me?

If the host cancels, Airbnb refunds your full payment automatically, regardless of their cancellation policy. You will also receive a credit equal to 50 percent of your nightly rate that you can use toward a future booking within one year.

Do I lose my money if I cancel close to check-in?

It depends on the host's cancellation policy. A flexible policy usually lets you cancel up to one day before check-in and get most of your money back. A strict policy may refund nothing if you cancel within 30 days of check-in. Check your reservation details to see the exact refund amount before you confirm the cancellation.

How long does it take to see my refund?

Airbnb processes refunds within a few days, but your bank controls how long it takes to appear in your account. Most refunds show up within 5 to 10 business days. Debit cards and international transfers may take longer. If you do not see it after 10 business days, contact your bank.

Can I cancel and rebook the same property for different dates?

Yes, but be aware of the refund amount. If the host's policy is strict and you are close to check-in, you may lose money on the cancellation. Check what you will get back before you cancel, then search for new dates. There is no penalty for rebooking with a different host or the same host at a different time.