Cancel a Reservation Before Check-In

You can cancel your Airbnb reservation through the app or website at any time before your check-in date. The amount of money you get back depends on the host's cancellation policy and how close you are to your arrival date. Most hosts offer one of three policy types: flexible (full refund up to one day before), moderate (full refund up to five days before), or strict (no refund after booking).

To cancel, open the Airbnb app or go to airbnb.com, find your reservation in "Trips," and select "Cancel reservation." You will see the refund amount before you confirm. Airbnb processes refunds to your original payment method within five to ten business days, though your bank may take additional time to show the credit.

Key Takeaways

  • You can cancel through the Airbnb app or website by going to your Trips section and selecting the reservation you want to cancel.
  • The refund amount depends on the host's cancellation policy, which you can find on your reservation details page.
  • Cancellations made close to your check-in date may result in no refund, even if you have a flexible policy, so check the exact important date.
  • Refunds go back to your original payment method and typically arrive within five to ten business days.
  • If you cancel after check-in or need to leave early, you must contact the host directly—Airbnb does not issue refunds for early departures without host agreement.

Understanding Cancellation Policies

Each Airbnb listing displays the host's cancellation policy on the reservation page. The three standard policies are flexible, moderate, and strict. A flexible policy usually allows a full refund if you cancel up to one day before check-in. A moderate policy typically gives a full refund if you cancel five or more days before, and a partial refund (often 50 percent) if you cancel between one and five days before. A strict policy usually offers no refund after booking, though some strict policies allow a 50 percent refund if you cancel more than 30 days ahead.

Some hosts also set custom policies with their own timelines and refund percentages. Always read the specific policy on your reservation before canceling, because the refund you receive is final—Airbnb does not negotiate refunds after cancellation is complete.

What Happens After You Cancel

Once you confirm the cancellation, Airbnb when ready removes your reservation from the listing. The host is notified that you have canceled. If your policy allows a refund, Airbnb credits the amount to your Airbnb account wallet first. From there, you can use it toward a future booking or request that Airbnb send it to your original payment method.

To transfer a refund to your bank account or card, go to your Account settings, select "Payments and payouts," and choose "Request payout." The transfer takes five to ten business days. If you do not request a payout, the credit stays in your Airbnb wallet indefinitely and you can use it for any future reservation.

Canceling After Check-In or Leaving Early

If you have already checked in and want to leave early, you cannot cancel through the app to get a refund. Instead, you must contact the host directly and explain your situation. Some hosts will agree to a partial refund or release you from the reservation, but they are not required to. Airbnb will not override the host's decision or force a refund for early departure.

If the host agrees to let you leave early, ask them to confirm the refund amount in writing through the Airbnb message system. This creates a record in case there is a dispute later. If the host refuses and you believe there is a serious problem with the listing (unsafe conditions, cleanliness issues, or a breach of house rules by the host), you can contact Airbnb support to report the issue, though this does not may provide a refund.

Canceling Due to Extenuating Circumstances

Airbnb has an "Extenuating Circumstances" policy that may allow a refund even under a strict cancellation policy if you cancel because of a serious, unexpected event. These circumstances include death in your family, serious illness or injury, natural disasters, government-ordered evacuations, or travel bans that prevent you from traveling.

To request a refund under this policy, cancel your reservation normally, then contact Airbnb support through the Resolution Center within 30 days of your original check-in date. You will need to provide documentation of the circumstance—a death certificate, medical records, evacuation order, or travel ban notice. Airbnb reviews each case individually and decides whether to grant a refund. There is no may provide, but this is your only path to a refund if the host's policy would normally deny one.

Disputing a Cancellation or Refund

If you believe Airbnb calculated your refund incorrectly or if you canceled by mistake, you can contact Airbnb support through the Resolution Center. Go to your reservation, select "Get help," and choose the issue that matches your situation. Explain what happened and provide any relevant details. Airbnb support will review your case, but they typically uphold the host's cancellation policy unless you can show an error in how the refund was calculated.

If you canceled by accident and want to rebook the same listing, contact the host directly through Airbnb messaging to ask if they will accept a new reservation for the same dates. Hosts are not required to rebook you, but many will if the dates are still available and you explain the situation politely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation and get my money back?

It depends on the host's cancellation policy and how close you are to check-in. Flexible policies offer full refunds up to one day before arrival. Moderate policies offer full refunds five or more days before. Strict policies typically offer no refund. Check your reservation details to see the exact policy and refund important date.

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

Airbnb credits the refund to your account wallet when ready. If you request a payout to your bank or card, it takes five to ten business days. Your bank may take additional time to process the deposit.

What if I cancel after my check-in date has passed?

You cannot cancel through the app after check-in. You must contact the host directly and ask for permission to leave early. The host can agree to a partial refund, but they are not required to. Airbnb does not issue refunds for early departures without the host's consent.

Can I get a refund if I cancel because of a family emergency?

Airbnb's Extenuating Circumstances policy may cover serious events like death, illness, natural disasters, or travel bans. You must cancel first, then contact Airbnb support within 30 days with documentation. Airbnb reviews each case individually—there is no may provide of approval.

What should I do if I canceled by mistake?

Contact the host directly through Airbnb messaging and explain what happened. Ask if they will accept a new reservation for the same dates. Hosts are not required to rebook you, but many will if the dates are still open and you communicate quickly.