How to cancel your Airbnb booking
You can cancel an Airbnb reservation through the app or website by going to your reservations, selecting the booking you want to cancel, and clicking the "Cancel reservation" button. Airbnb will show you when ready how much of your payment you'll get back based on the host's cancellation policy and how close you are to your check-in date. The refund goes back to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days after the host accepts the cancellation.
The amount you receive depends entirely on which cancellation policy the host set when they listed the property. Airbnb offers hosts five standard policies: flexible (full refund up to 24 hours before check-in), moderate (full refund up to 5 days before), non-refundable (no refund), strict (refund only if cancelled 30 days out), and super strict (refund only if cancelled 60 days out). Some hosts also set custom policies. You agreed to the host's policy when you booked, so Airbnb applies it automatically when you cancel.
Key Takeaways
- You cancel through the Airbnb app or website by selecting your reservation and clicking "Cancel reservation" — the refund amount appears before you confirm.
- How much money you get back depends on the host's cancellation policy and the number of days between now and your check-in date.
- Refunds process to your original payment method in 5 to 10 business days after you initiate the cancellation.
- If the host has a strict or super strict policy and you're within the cancellation window, you may receive no refund or only a partial one.
Understanding Airbnb's five standard cancellation policies
Flexible policies refund your full payment if you cancel up to 24 hours before check-in. After that window closes, you lose everything. This is the most guest-friendly option and hosts who offer it typically charge higher nightly rates to offset the risk.
Moderate policies refund your full payment if you cancel up to 5 days before check-in. Between 5 days and 24 hours before, you lose 50 percent of the booking cost. Within 24 hours of check-in, you lose everything. This is Airbnb's default policy for most new hosts.
Non-refundable policies mean you lose your entire payment no matter when you cancel. Hosts use this for discounted rates, so the lower nightly price is the trade-off for no refund option.
Strict policies refund your full payment only if you cancel 30 days or more before check-in. Between 30 days and 14 days out, you get 50 percent back. Within 14 days, you get nothing. Hosts use this to protect themselves against last-minute cancellations.
Super strict policies refund your full payment only if you cancel 60 days or more before check-in. Between 60 and 30 days out, you get 50 percent back. Within 30 days, you get nothing. Some hosts in high-demand areas use this policy.
When Airbnb may refund you even with a strict policy
Airbnb has a separate Host Cancellation Protection program that covers certain situations beyond your control. If the host cancels on you, Airbnb will rebook you in a similar property at the same price or refund you in full, depending on availability. This is not something you request — Airbnb handles it automatically if the host cancels.
You may also receive a refund if there's a problem with the listing itself. If the property is not as described, is unsafe, or has a serious maintenance issue, you can report it to Airbnb and request a refund or rebooking. You'll need to document the issue with photos or messages to the host showing the problem. Airbnb reviews these cases individually and decides whether a refund is warranted.
Airbnb's Extenuating Circumstances Policy previously covered events like natural disasters or government travel bans, but as of 2022 this policy is no longer automatic. If you believe your cancellation is due to an extraordinary event, you can contact Airbnb support and request a review, but there is no may provide of a refund. Airbnb will ask for documentation of the event and how it directly affects your ability to travel.
How to contact the host before you cancel
Before you cancel, consider messaging the host through Airbnb's messaging system to explain your situation. Some hosts will agree to a refund or a date change even if their policy wouldn't normally allow it, especially if you're cancelling well in advance. The host has no obligation to do this, but it costs nothing to ask.
If the host agrees to a refund outside their stated policy, ask them to confirm it in writing through the Airbnb message thread. Do not cancel first and then ask — once you cancel, the refund is determined by the policy and the host cannot override it. If the host agrees, they can issue a refund through Airbnb's resolution center, but only before the reservation is complete.
What happens after you cancel
Once you click "Cancel reservation," Airbnb shows you the refund amount and asks you to confirm. After you confirm, the cancellation is submitted to the host. The host does not have to accept it — they can reject the cancellation if they choose, which means the reservation stays active and you're still expected to check in. This is rare, but it can happen.
If the host rejects your cancellation, you can contact Airbnb support and explain your situation. Airbnb can override a host's rejection in some cases, particularly if you have a documented reason like illness or a family emergency. You'll need to provide evidence — a doctor's note, a death certificate, or a government travel advisory, for example.
Once the host accepts the cancellation (or Airbnb overrides a rejection), your refund processes automatically. The money goes back to the card or payment method you used to book. If you paid with a debit card, the refund may take longer to appear in your account because your bank has to process it. Credit cards typically show refunds within 5 to 10 business days.
Cancelling close to your check-in date
If you're cancelling within 24 hours of check-in, most policies will not refund you anything. The exception is a flexible policy, which refunds in full up to 24 hours before. Check the exact time your check-in window opens — Airbnb counts from that moment, not from midnight.
If you've already checked in and want to leave early, you cannot cancel the reservation yourself. You'll need to contact Airbnb support and explain why you're leaving. Airbnb may issue a partial refund for the unused nights depending on the reason, but this is handled case by case and is not may provide. Early checkout due to a problem with the listing (cleanliness, safety, missing amenities) is more likely to result in a refund than early checkout due to a change in your plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation and get a full refund?
Only if the host's cancellation policy allows it based on how many days before check-in you cancel. Flexible policies refund in full up to 24 hours before. Moderate policies refund in full up to 5 days before. Strict and super strict policies have longer windows (30 and 60 days). Non-refundable bookings never refund. Check your reservation details to see which policy applies to your booking.
How long does an Airbnb refund take?
Refunds process within 5 to 10 business days after the host accepts your cancellation. The time depends on your bank or payment processor. Debit cards may take longer because your bank has to process the reversal. Credit cards typically show the refund within 5 to 10 days. Contact your bank if a refund doesn't appear after 10 business days.
What if the host rejects my cancellation?
If the host rejects your cancellation request, the reservation stays active. You can contact Airbnb support and explain your situation. Airbnb can override a host's rejection if you have a documented reason like illness, a family emergency, or a government travel restriction. Provide evidence such as a doctor's note or travel advisory.
Can I get a refund if I cancel for a reason not covered by the policy?
Not automatically. If you cancel outside the refund window of the host's policy, you won't receive money back unless the host agrees to an exception or Airbnb determines there are extenuating circumstances. You can contact Airbnb support and request a review if you believe your situation warrants an exception, but approval is not may provide.
Do I lose my money if I cancel a non-refundable booking?
Yes. Non-refundable bookings do not refund under any circumstances related to your change of plans. The only exception is if Airbnb determines the listing is not as described or unsafe, or if the host cancels on you. Otherwise, the full payment is forfeited when you book a non-refundable rate.