Cancel Your Booking Through the Airbnb App or Website

To cancel an Airbnb reservation, open the Airbnb app or go to airbnb.com and sign into your account. Tap or click the profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Trips." Find the reservation you want to cancel and click on it. You will see a "Cancel" button — click it, and Airbnb will walk you through the cancellation process and show you how much of your payment you will receive back based on the host's cancellation policy.

The entire process takes about two minutes. Airbnb will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may ask why you are canceling — this feedback is optional. Once you confirm, the cancellation is submitted to the host. Most cancellations are processed when ready, though some require host approval depending on the policy attached to that listing.

Key Takeaways

  • You cancel through your Airbnb account under "Trips," not by contacting the host directly.
  • How much money you get back depends on the host's cancellation policy and how close your check-in date is.
  • Flexible policies refund most or all of your money if you cancel up to one day before check-in; strict policies may refund nothing.
  • If the host cancels instead, you receive a full refund plus Airbnb credit for rebooking.
  • Cancellations due to illness, emergencies, or safety concerns may may have access to for a refund even under strict policies if you contact Airbnb Support.

Understanding Airbnb's Cancellation Policies

Every Airbnb listing has a cancellation policy set by the host. The policy determines what percentage of your payment you get back and when the important date is to receive it. Airbnb offers five standard policies: Flexible, Moderate, Firm, Strict, and Super Strict. The policy is listed on the listing page before you book, usually near the price.

A Flexible policy refunds your full payment if you cancel up to one day before check-in. A Moderate policy refunds your full payment if you cancel at least five days before check-in, and a partial refund (usually 50 percent) if you cancel between one and five days before. A Firm policy requires cancellation at least ten days before check-in for a full refund. Strict and Super Strict policies refund little to nothing unless you cancel very far in advance — sometimes 30 or 60 days before check-in.

After your cancellation important date passes, you will not receive a refund no matter when you cancel, though Airbnb may still process the cancellation in the system. Check the exact dates and refund amounts on your booking confirmation before you cancel.

What Happens to Your Money After You Cancel

Airbnb refunds go back to the original payment method you used to book — usually a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. The refund typically appears within 5 to 10 business days, though some banks take longer to post the money to your account. If you paid with a gift card, the money returns to your Airbnb account as a credit you can use for a future booking.

If the host cancels your reservation instead of you, Airbnb automatically issues a full refund plus a credit equal to the nightly rate for one night. This credit can be used toward any Airbnb booking within one year. You do not have to request this — it happens automatically when a host cancels.

Canceling Due to Illness, Emergency, or Safety Concerns

If you need to cancel because of illness, a family emergency, or a safety issue at the property, you may be able to get a refund even if the host's policy normally would not allow one. Contact Airbnb Support through the app or website and explain your situation. Airbnb reviews these requests on a case-by-case basis and may issue a full or partial refund as a one-time exception.

To contact support, open the app, go to your booking, scroll down, and tap "Get Help." Describe what happened and attach any supporting documents if you have them — for example, a doctor's note for illness or a message from the host about a safety issue. Response times vary, but Airbnb typically replies within 24 to 48 hours. Be honest and specific; vague requests are less likely to be approved.

Canceling a Reservation the Host Has Already Confirmed

Once a host has confirmed your booking, you can still cancel through the app, but the host may see the cancellation. Some hosts respond to cancellations by messaging you to ask why or to offer a partial refund if you rebook with them later. You are not required to respond, and you are not obligated to accept any offer the host makes.

If you cancel and then change your mind, you cannot undo the cancellation through the app. You would have to contact Airbnb Support and ask them to reverse it, but they can only do this within a short window — usually a few hours. After that, the cancellation is final and you would have to rebook the property if it is still available.

Avoiding Common Cancellation Mistakes

The most common mistake is canceling after the refund important date has passed. Before you click "Cancel," check the exact date and time when your refund expires. Airbnb shows this clearly on the cancellation screen. If you are close to the important date, cancel when ready rather than waiting.

Another mistake is contacting the host directly to ask for a refund after you cancel. The host has no ability to override Airbnb's refund policy or send you money outside the app. If you want to negotiate a refund, do that before you cancel — message the host, explain your situation, and ask if they will consider a partial refund if you cancel. Get their agreement in writing through the Airbnb messaging system before you proceed.

Do not assume that canceling means the host will not see your name or booking details. Hosts can see all cancellations on their calendar, including who canceled and when. If you are concerned about your reputation as a guest, send a brief, polite message to the host explaining why you had to cancel.

What to Do If You Cannot Find the Cancel Button

If you do not see a "Cancel" button on your booking, it usually means the cancellation important date has already passed. Check the cancellation policy on your confirmation email or the listing page to confirm. If the important date has passed, you will not be able to cancel through the app, and Airbnb will not issue a refund.

If the important date has not passed but you still do not see the button, try logging out and back in, or close the app and reopen it. If the problem continues, contact Airbnb Support. In rare cases, a technical glitch prevents the button from appearing, and support can process the cancellation manually for you.

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 app. If you need to leave early and want a refund, contact Airbnb Support and explain why. They may issue a partial refund depending on the circumstances, but this is not may provide.

Will the host know why I canceled?

Airbnb does not automatically tell the host your reason for canceling. The host will see that you canceled and when, but not why unless you message them directly. You can choose to explain or not.

What if the host cancels on me?

You receive a full refund plus Airbnb credit equal to one night's rate. This happens automatically. You can use the credit to book another property within one year, or contact Airbnb Support to request a refund of the credit as well.

Can I get a refund if I just changed my mind?

Only if the host's cancellation policy allows it and you cancel before the important date. If the important date has passed, you will not receive a refund for a change of mind. Cancellations due to illness or emergency may be treated differently — contact support to ask.

How long does it take to get my money back?

Refunds typically appear in your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks take longer to post the money. If you do not see the refund after two weeks, contact your bank or Airbnb Support.