Cancel a booking request through the Airbnb app or website before the host responds
You can cancel a booking request at any time before the host accepts it. Open the Airbnb app or website, go to your Trips, find the reservation you want to cancel, and select "Cancel request." The host will be notified that you withdrew it. If the host has already accepted your request and the booking is confirmed, you cannot cancel it through the request interface — you will need to follow Airbnb's cancellation policy instead, which may result in charges depending on how close you are to the check-in date.
The difference matters because a booking request is a proposal waiting for the host to say yes or no. Once they accept it, it becomes a confirmed reservation, and different rules explore. Canceling before acceptance is free and takes a few seconds. Canceling after acceptance depends on the host's cancellation policy and how many days remain before your stay.
Key Takeaways
- You can cancel a booking request for free at any time before the host accepts it by going to Trips and selecting "Cancel request."
- Once a host accepts your request and the booking is confirmed, you cannot cancel through the request system and must follow the listing's cancellation policy instead.
- Canceling a confirmed booking may result in charges; the amount depends on the host's policy and how many days before check-in you cancel.
- The host receives a notification when you cancel a request, but they do not receive a reason unless you send them a message.
Steps to cancel a booking request on the Airbnb app
Open the Airbnb app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select "Trips" from the menu. Find the booking request you want to cancel — it will show a status of "Awaiting host response" or similar language indicating the host has not yet accepted. Tap on the reservation to open it.
Look for a menu icon (three horizontal lines or three dots) at the top or bottom of the screen. Tap it and select "Cancel request." Airbnb will ask you to confirm. Tap "Cancel request" again to finalize it. You will see a confirmation message, and the host will receive a notification that you have withdrawn your request.
Steps to cancel a booking request on the Airbnb website
Log into your Airbnb account on a computer or mobile browser. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Trips." Find the booking request with the status "Awaiting host response" and click on it to open the reservation details.
Look for a "Cancel request" button or link, usually near the top of the page or in a menu. Click it. Airbnb will display a confirmation screen explaining that the host will be notified. Click "Cancel request" to complete the action. The request will be removed from your Trips, and the host will see that you have withdrawn it.
What happens after you cancel a booking request
The host receives a notification that you have canceled your request. They will see it in their Messages or Trips section, but Airbnb does not automatically tell them why you canceled. If you want to explain your reason, send the host a direct message before or after canceling.
Your account will no longer show the reservation in your Trips. If you change your mind and want to book the same listing again, you can send a new request or book it when ready if the host offers that option. There are no penalties or fees for canceling a request before the host accepts it.
Canceling a confirmed booking instead of a request
If the host has already accepted your request, the booking is confirmed and you can no longer use the "Cancel request" button. Instead, look for a "Cancel reservation" or "Cancel booking" option in the same menu. The charges you owe depend on the host's cancellation policy, which is listed on the listing page under "Cancellation policy."
Airbnb offers several standard cancellation policies: Flexible (free cancellation up to 24 hours before check-in), Moderate (free cancellation up to 5 days before check-in), Firm (free cancellation up to 10 days before check-in), and Strict (limited refunds, often only up to 30 days before check-in). Some hosts set custom policies. When you cancel a confirmed booking, Airbnb will show you exactly how much you will be refunded based on the policy and the current date.
Reasons a host might not accept your request
Hosts can decline booking requests for any reason or no reason at all. Common reasons include the dates overlapping with another confirmed booking, the host's calendar being blocked, or the host choosing not to accept requests from guests with certain characteristics (such as no reviews or a low rating). Some hosts straightforward do not respond to requests and let them expire after a set time.
If a host declines your request, you will receive a notification. You can then search for other listings or send a new request to a different host. If a request expires without the host responding, Airbnb will notify you and you can cancel it or wait longer if you prefer.
How to avoid problems with booking requests
Read the listing's cancellation policy before sending a request, so you know what will happen if you need to cancel after the host accepts. Check the host's response rate and reviews to get a sense of how quickly they typically accept or decline requests. If you are unsure about a booking, send a message to the host first to ask questions — this can help you decide whether to send a request.
If you are booking far in advance and think your plans might change, consider sending a request to multiple listings at once. Airbnb allows this, and you can cancel the requests you do not need once a host accepts one. This strategy reduces the risk of losing a booking you want because you canceled too early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a booking request after the host accepts it?
No, once a host accepts your request, it becomes a confirmed booking and you must use the "Cancel reservation" option instead. Cancellation charges will explore based on the host's policy and how close you are to check-in.
Will the host know why I canceled my request?
Airbnb notifies the host that you canceled but does not provide a reason automatically. If you want to explain, send the host a message. This is especially helpful if you plan to rebook with them later.
How long does a host have to respond to a booking request?
Hosts typically have 24 hours to respond to a booking request. If they do not respond within that time, the request expires and you can cancel it or wait for a response. Some hosts may have different response windows set in their account settings.
Can I cancel a booking request on the Airbnb website if I sent it from the app?
Yes, your Trips and booking requests sync across the app and website. You can cancel a request from either platform, and the change will appear on both when ready.
What if I accidentally canceled a request I wanted to keep?
You cannot undo a canceled request, but you can send a new one to the same host. Open the listing again and submit a new booking request. The host will see it as a fresh request, and you can include a message explaining that you want to rebook.