Cancel through the Airbnb app or website before your check-in date
You can cancel your reservation at any time before you arrive by opening the Airbnb app or website, finding your booking in "Trips," and selecting "Cancel reservation." Airbnb will show you the refund amount you'll receive based on the host's cancellation policy before you confirm. The refund goes back to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days after cancellation is processed.
The refund amount depends on when you cancel relative to your check-in date. If the host has a flexible policy, you may get a full refund even if you cancel close to arrival. If they have a moderate or strict policy, you'll lose a percentage of the nightly rate or the entire booking fee depending on how close you are to check-in. Airbnb displays the exact refund amount on the cancellation screen, so you'll know what to expect before you confirm.
Once you confirm the cancellation, the host receives a notification. You cannot undo a cancellation after you've confirmed it, so double-check the refund amount and your reason before clicking the final button.
Key Takeaways
- You can cancel through the Airbnb app or website by going to "Trips," selecting your reservation, and choosing "Cancel reservation."
- The refund amount depends on the host's cancellation policy—flexible policies refund more money, while strict policies may refund nothing if you cancel close to check-in.
- Airbnb shows your exact refund before you confirm, so you know what money you'll receive back.
- Refunds return to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days after cancellation is processed.
- You cannot undo a cancellation after confirming it, so verify the refund and your decision before clicking confirm.
Understand the three cancellation policy types
Airbnb hosts set one of three cancellation policies that determine how much money you get back. A flexible policy refunds your full booking amount if you cancel up to one day before check-in. A moderate policy refunds your full amount if you cancel at least 5 days before check-in, but refunds only 50% of the nightly rate if you cancel between 5 days and 1 day before. A strict policy refunds your full amount only if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in, and refunds nothing if you cancel within 30 days.
Some hosts also offer a super strict policy, which refunds your full amount only if you cancel 60 days or more before check-in. After that window closes, you receive no refund. The host's policy is listed on the reservation details page under "Cancellation policy," so check it before you book if cancellation flexibility matters to you.
The Airbnb service fee (the fee Airbnb charges you, not the host) is usually refunded when you cancel, but this varies. The host's cleaning fee is typically non-refundable under all policies. When you go to cancel, Airbnb shows you exactly which charges are refundable and which are not.
What happens if the host cancels instead
If the host cancels your reservation, you receive a full refund of all charges, including the service fee. Airbnb also gives you a credit equal to the nightly rate for one night, which you can use toward any future booking. This credit appears in your account within 24 hours and does not expire.
If a host cancels within 30 days of your check-in date, Airbnb may also offer you a discount code for a future booking as additional compensation. The amount varies, but Airbnb notifies you of any additional credit when the cancellation is processed.
Cancel if the listing details change or the host violates house rules
If the host makes a significant change to the listing after you book—such as removing a bedroom, changing the number of guests allowed, or removing a major amenity like a kitchen—you can cancel for a full refund regardless of the cancellation policy. Go to your reservation, select "Cancel reservation," and choose "The listing details changed" as your reason. Airbnb will review your claim and process a full refund if they determine the change is material.
You can also cancel for a full refund if you discover the host has violated Airbnb's house rules or community standards before you check in. Examples include a host who is asking you to communicate or pay outside the Airbnb platform, or a listing that is misrepresented in photos or description. Contact Airbnb support through the app or website, explain the violation, and provide screenshots or evidence. Support will investigate and may process a full refund.
Contact Airbnb support if you have a problem canceling
If the cancellation button is not working, if you're unsure about your refund, or if you believe you should receive a full refund due to a host violation, contact Airbnb support. Open the app, go to "Account," select "Help," and choose your issue. You can message support directly through the app, and a response usually arrives within 24 hours.
If you need to cancel after you've already checked in, contact support when ready. Airbnb does not allow cancellations after check-in through the normal process, but support may process one if you have a legitimate reason, such as a safety issue or a serious misrepresentation of the listing. The sooner you contact them, the better your chances of a resolution.
Plan ahead to avoid cancellation fees
Before you book, read the host's cancellation policy and think about whether you might need to cancel. If you're booking a trip with uncertain dates or if you're traveling for a reason that might change, look for a host with a flexible policy. Flexible policies cost slightly more per night, but they protect you if your plans shift.
If you've already booked under a strict policy and your plans have changed, canceling sooner rather than later will preserve more of your refund. Even under a strict policy, canceling 40 days before check-in is better than canceling 25 days before, because you may still be within the full-refund window.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my refund after I cancel?
Airbnb processes the refund within 5 to 10 business days after you confirm the cancellation. The money returns to your original payment method—the credit card, PayPal account, or other payment source you used to book. If you don't see the refund after 10 business days, contact your bank or payment provider to confirm it hasn't been delayed on their end.
Can I cancel if I've already checked in?
Airbnb does not allow cancellations through the app after check-in. However, you can contact support and explain your situation. If there's a legitimate reason—such as the listing being unsafe or severely misrepresented—support may process a cancellation and refund. The sooner you contact them, the better.
What if the host won't accept my cancellation?
The host cannot prevent you from canceling. Once you confirm the cancellation in the app, it is final. The host will be notified, but they have no ability to override your decision. Your refund is determined by their policy, not by their approval.
Do I lose my money if I cancel close to check-in?
It depends on the host's policy. If they have a flexible policy, you get a full refund up to one day before check-in. If they have a moderate or strict policy, you may lose part or all of your payment if you cancel within the non-refundable window. Always check the policy before booking if cancellation matters to you.
Can I get a refund if the host's photos don't match the real listing?
Yes. If the listing looks significantly different from the photos or description, you can cancel for a full refund. Contact Airbnb support, explain the misrepresentation, and provide photos or evidence if possible. Support will review your claim and may process a full refund if they agree the listing was materially misrepresented.