How to cancel your Airbnb reservation
You can cancel a 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 cancellation takes effect when ready, though the refund process and what you get back depend on the host's cancellation policy and how close you are to your check-in date.
Once you click cancel, Airbnb sends a notification to your host. You cannot undo the cancellation after you submit it, so make sure you want to cancel before you confirm. If you have already paid and the cancellation policy allows a refund, the money goes back to your original payment method—this can take 5 to 10 business days depending on your bank.
Key Takeaways
- Cancel through the Airbnb app or website by selecting your trip and clicking "Cancel reservation"—the cancellation is final once you confirm.
- Your refund amount depends on the host's cancellation policy, which you can see on the listing before you book and in your reservation details after.
- Cancellations close to your check-in date may result in no refund or a partial refund, even if the host's policy normally allows one.
- If you cancel and the host later cancels the same reservation, you may be owed additional compensation under Airbnb's Host Cancellation policy.
- Refunds process to your original payment method and typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days, though some banks take longer.
Understanding Airbnb's cancellation policies
Every Airbnb listing has a cancellation policy set by the host. The policy determines how much of your payment you get back if you cancel, and the timeframe matters. Policies are labeled as Flexible, Moderate, Strict, or Super Strict, and each one has different rules about how many days before check-in you need to cancel to receive a refund.
A Flexible policy typically allows a full refund if you cancel up to one day before check-in. A Moderate policy usually gives a full refund if you cancel at least 5 days before check-in, and a partial refund (often 50 percent) if you cancel between 1 and 5 days before. Strict policies require cancellation at least 30 days before check-in for a full refund, with a 50 percent refund between 7 and 30 days. Super Strict policies offer no refund no matter when you cancel.
You can see the exact policy for any listing before you book. Look for the "Cancellation policy" section on the listing page. After you book, you can find the policy again in your reservation details under the "Cancellation policy" tab.
What happens to your money when you cancel
When you cancel, Airbnb calculates your refund based on the host's policy and the date you cancel. The refund includes your nightly rate and any fees you paid, minus any amounts the policy says the host keeps. Airbnb service fees are usually not refunded, but cleaning fees and other host fees may be, depending on the policy.
The refund goes back to the payment method you used to book—your credit card, debit card, PayPal account, or whatever you chose at checkout. The money does not go into your Airbnb account balance; it returns to your bank or payment provider. This process typically takes 5 to 10 business days, though some banks hold the funds longer before they appear in your account.
If you paid with a credit card and the refund takes longer than expected, contact your bank first—the delay is usually on their end, not Airbnb's. You can also check the status of your refund in the Airbnb app by going to Account > Help > Refunds and looking for your reservation.
Canceling close to your check-in date
If you cancel within a few days of your check-in date, you may receive little or no refund, even if the host's policy normally allows one. This is because the host loses the opportunity to book someone else for those nights. The closer you are to check-in, the harder it is for the host to find a replacement guest.
For example, if a listing has a Moderate cancellation policy and you cancel two days before check-in, you would normally get 50 percent back. But if you cancel one day before check-in, the policy may say you get nothing. Always check the policy's specific dates and refund percentages before you assume what you will receive.
If you think you might need to cancel, do it as soon as you know—waiting until the last minute almost always costs you money. Some hosts offer to work with guests who cancel very close to check-in, but they are not required to, and Airbnb cannot force them to refund you beyond what the policy states.
What to do if the host cancels after you cancel
If you cancel your reservation and the host later cancels the same booking, you may be owed additional money under Airbnb's Host Cancellation policy. This is separate from the refund you already received for your own cancellation. Airbnb considers this a case where the host failed to honor the reservation, even though you had already canceled.
In this situation, contact Airbnb support through the Resolution Center in your account. Explain that you canceled first and the host canceled afterward. Airbnb will review the cancellation dates and may issue you a credit or refund as compensation for the host's cancellation, depending on how close the cancellations were to the check-in date.
Canceling a reservation with a confirmed guest
If you are the guest and you cancel, the host receives a notification but cannot force you to keep the reservation. However, if you cancel and then rebook the same dates with the same host, the host may decline to accept your new reservation. There is no penalty for canceling as a guest, but your refund depends on the policy.
If you are the host and a guest cancels, you keep the portion of the payment that the cancellation policy allows you to keep. You can then open the dates back up for new bookings. If you want to cancel a reservation as a host, that is a different process and may result in you owing the guest compensation.
Refund status and troubleshooting
To check on your refund, open the Airbnb app and go to Account > Help > Refunds. You will see a list of all your canceled reservations and the refund status for each one. The status will show whether the refund is pending, processing, or completed. If it shows completed but you have not received the money, check your bank account—it may still be in transit.
If your refund shows as completed but has not arrived after 10 business days, contact your bank first. Give them the Airbnb reservation number and the date you canceled. Your bank can trace the refund on their end. If your bank confirms they never received the refund, then contact Airbnb support with your bank's reference number.
If you believe Airbnb calculated your refund incorrectly based on the cancellation policy, contact Airbnb support through the Resolution Center. Have your reservation details and the cancellation policy screenshot ready. Airbnb will review the calculation and correct it if there was an error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation after I have already checked in?
No. Once you have checked in, you cannot cancel through the normal cancellation process. If you need to leave early, contact the host directly to discuss your options. The host may agree to refund you for the unused nights, but they are not required to. This would be a separate agreement between you and the host, not handled through Airbnb's cancellation system.
What if I cancel but the host has already started the checkout process?
If the host has already marked you as checked out or submitted a damage claim, your cancellation may not go through as expected. Contact Airbnb support when ready and explain the situation. Airbnb can intervene and may support your cancellation is processed correctly and your refund is calculated fairly.
Do I lose my Airbnb service fees if I cancel?
In most cases, yes—Airbnb service fees are not refunded when you cancel. You get back the nightly rate and some host fees depending on the cancellation policy, but the service fee you paid to Airbnb stays with them. This is standard across most booking platforms.
Can the host refuse my cancellation?
No. As a guest, you have the right to cancel your reservation at any time. The host cannot stop you from canceling, but your refund amount depends on their cancellation policy and how close you are to check-in. The host will be notified, but they cannot override your cancellation.
How long does it take to see a refund in my bank account?
Airbnb typically processes refunds within 5 to 10 business days. However, your bank may take an additional 3 to 5 business days to deposit the money into your account. If you do not see the refund after 10 business days, contact your bank to confirm they received it. Some banks hold refunds for longer periods depending on their policies.