How to Cancel Your Reservation

To cancel an Airbnb reservation, open the Airbnb app or website, go to your account menu, select "Trips," find the reservation you want to cancel, and click the "Cancel reservation" button. Airbnb will then show you the cancellation policy for that specific listing and tell you exactly what refund you will receive before you confirm the cancellation.

The refund amount depends on the host's cancellation policy and how close you are to the check-in date. Airbnb shows you this information before you finalize the cancellation, so you know what to expect. Once you confirm, the cancellation is when ready, though the refund itself may take several days to appear in your original payment method.

Key Takeaways

  • You can cancel through the Airbnb app or website by going to Trips, selecting your reservation, and clicking "Cancel reservation."
  • Airbnb displays your refund amount based on the host's cancellation policy before you confirm, so you see exactly what you will receive.
  • Refunds typically process within 5 to 10 business days to your original payment method, though timing varies by bank.
  • If you cancel very close to check-in, you may receive no refund depending on the host's policy, so check the policy details before booking.
  • Contact Airbnb support if your refund does not arrive within two weeks or if you have a dispute with the host about the cancellation.

Understanding 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 it depends on when you cancel relative to your check-in date. Airbnb offers several standard policies: Flexible, Moderate, Strict, and Super Strict, though some hosts create custom policies.

A Flexible policy typically allows a full refund if you cancel up to one day before check-in. A Moderate policy usually refunds your full payment if you cancel at least five days before check-in, but charges a fee if you cancel closer than that. Strict policies refund only 50 percent of your payment if you cancel within 30 days of check-in, and Super Strict policies offer no refund at all once you have booked.

Before you book, the listing page shows the host's cancellation policy clearly. If you are unsure whether you will keep the reservation, choose a listing with a Flexible policy so you have more options later.

What Happens After You Cancel

Once you confirm the cancellation, Airbnb removes the reservation from your Trips list when ready. The host receives a notification that you have cancelled. If the cancellation qualifies for a refund under the host's policy, Airbnb processes the refund automatically.

Refunds go back to the original payment method you used to book — the same 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 credit card, your card company may show the refund as a credit before the money actually settles.

If the host's policy does not allow a refund for your cancellation date, you will see a $0 refund amount before you confirm. In that case, cancelling means you lose the full payment.

Cancelling Close to Your Check-In Date

The closer you are to check-in, the less likely you are to receive a refund. If you are within one day of check-in and the host has a Strict or Super Strict policy, you will almost certainly lose your money. Even with a Flexible policy, cancelling the day before check-in may result in no refund.

If you need to cancel but are worried about losing your payment, contact the host directly through the Airbnb messaging system before you cancel. Some hosts will agree to a refund or rebook if you explain your situation, even if their policy would normally deny one. This conversation happens outside the cancellation system, so it does not affect your ability to cancel later if the host declines.

If you have a genuine emergency — illness, family crisis, or travel disruption — mention it in your message to the host. Hosts have the option to refund you even if their policy does not require it, and many will do so in an emergency.

When Airbnb May Refund You Outside the Policy

Airbnb has a Host Cancellation Protection program that covers certain situations. If the host cancels on you, Airbnb refunds your full payment and offers you a credit toward another booking. This is separate from your own cancellation and does not depend on the host's policy.

You may also receive a full refund if the listing becomes unavailable due to circumstances beyond the host's control — for example, if the property is damaged or the host loses access to it. Airbnb will contact you directly if this happens.

If you believe the listing was misrepresented — the photos do not match the actual property, or the host did not disclose a major issue — you can contact Airbnb support to request a refund even after check-in. These cases are reviewed individually, and Airbnb may refund you partially or in full depending on the situation.

Disputing a Refund or Cancellation Issue

If your refund does not arrive within two weeks, or if you believe you should have received a refund that Airbnb denied, contact Airbnb support through the Resolution Center. Open the Airbnb app or website, go to your account, select "Help," and choose "Contact us." Describe your issue and attach any relevant messages or screenshots.

Airbnb support can see the exact cancellation policy that applied to your reservation and will verify whether you received the correct refund amount. If there was an error, they will process a refund adjustment. If you disagree with the policy itself, support can escalate your case, though they cannot override a host's stated policy unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Keep records of your booking confirmation, cancellation confirmation, and any messages with the host. These documents help support investigate your case quickly.

Cancelling a Reservation You Have Not Paid For Yet

If you have made a reservation but Airbnb has not yet charged your payment method — for example, if your check-in is several months away — you can still cancel through the same process. Cancelling before payment is processed means no refund is needed, since you were never charged.

Check your Trips page to see whether the reservation shows "Payment pending" or "Confirmed." If it shows "Payment pending," cancelling will straightforward remove the reservation without any financial transaction. Once Airbnb processes the payment, the cancellation process and refund policy explore as normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation on the same day as check-in?

Yes, you can cancel anytime before or on your check-in date, but you will almost certainly receive no refund if you cancel on the day of arrival. Most cancellation policies charge a full fee for same-day cancellations. Contact the host directly before you cancel to ask if they will make an exception.

How long does it take to get my refund after I cancel?

Airbnb processes refunds within 5 to 10 business days to your original payment method. Your bank may take an additional 2 to 5 business days to post the money to your account. If you do not see the refund within two weeks, contact Airbnb support.

What if the host refuses to accept my cancellation?

The host cannot refuse your cancellation. Once you click "Cancel reservation" and confirm, the cancellation is final on Airbnb's system. The host will be notified, but they have no ability to block it. Your refund will be processed according to their policy.

Can I get a refund if I cancel for a reason not covered by the policy?

Not automatically, but you can ask. Contact the host through Airbnb messaging to explain your situation and request a refund. If the host declines, you can contact Airbnb support to escalate, though they will not override a policy unless there are exceptional circumstances like a documented emergency.

Do I lose my money if I cancel a Super Strict reservation?

Yes, Super Strict policies offer no refund once you have booked, regardless of when you cancel. Before you book a Super Strict listing, make sure you are certain about your travel plans. If you must cancel, contact the host to ask for a refund as a courtesy, but you have no refund right under the policy.