How to Cancel an Airbnb Booking
You can cancel an Airbnb booking through the Airbnb app or website by going to your reservations, selecting the booking you want to cancel, and clicking the "Cancel reservation" button. The amount of money you receive back depends on when you cancel relative to the check-in date and which cancellation policy the host set for that listing.
Airbnb has three standard cancellation policies: Flexible (full refund if you cancel up to one day before check-in), Moderate (full refund if you cancel five days before check-in), and Strict (full refund only if you cancel 30 days before check-in). Some hosts use a Super Strict policy or a Non-refundable rate. The cancellation policy appears on the listing page before you book, and you can see it again in your reservation details.
The refund process takes different amounts of time depending on your payment method. Most refunds arrive within five to ten business days, though some payment methods may take longer. Airbnb will show you the refund amount before you confirm the cancellation, so you know exactly what you will receive back.
Key Takeaways
- Cancel through the Airbnb app or website by finding your reservation and clicking "Cancel reservation"—the button appears on the reservation details page.
- Your refund amount depends on the host's cancellation policy and how many days before check-in you cancel, not on Airbnb's decision.
- Airbnb shows you the exact refund amount before you confirm the cancellation, so you can see what you will receive back.
- Refunds typically arrive within five to ten business days, though the timeline varies by payment method and your bank.
- If you cancel after the refund window closes, you will not receive money back unless the host agrees to a partial or full refund outside the policy.
Where to Find the Cancel Button
Open the Airbnb app or go to airbnb.com and sign into your account. Tap or click "Trips" in the top menu, then find the reservation you want to cancel. The reservation will show the property name, dates, and total price paid.
Once you open the reservation, scroll down until you see the "Cancel reservation" button. On the app, this button is usually near the bottom of the screen. On the website, it appears in a section labeled "Cancellation policy" or "Reservation details." Click or tap the button to start the cancellation process.
Understanding Refund Amounts Before You Cancel
Before you confirm the cancellation, Airbnb displays the refund amount you will receive. This number accounts for the host's cancellation policy, the number of days until check-in, and any service fees Airbnb charged. Read this amount carefully—it is the only confirmation you will see of what money is coming back.
If the refund amount shown is zero or lower than you expected, the cancellation window for a full refund has passed. You can still cancel the booking, but you will not receive money back unless the host chooses to refund you outside the policy. Some hosts will issue a partial refund as a courtesy if you contact them directly and explain your situation, but this is not may provide.
Airbnb service fees are usually non-refundable, even if the host refunds the nightly rate. The service fee covers Airbnb's payment processing and customer support. Check your reservation details to see how much of your total payment was a service fee.
What Happens After You Confirm the Cancellation
Once you click "Cancel reservation" and confirm, the cancellation is final. Airbnb sends you a confirmation email with the cancellation details and the refund amount. The host receives a notification that you have cancelled, and the dates become available for other guests to book.
The refund does not appear in your account when ready. Airbnb processes refunds to your original payment method—the card, bank account, or PayPal account you used to book. The refund typically arrives within five to ten business days, though some banks take longer to post the money to your account.
If you paid with a credit or debit card, check your card statement after ten business days. If you paid with PayPal or a bank transfer, the money will appear in that account. Contact your bank or payment provider if the refund does not arrive within two weeks.
Cancelling When the Host Has a Strict Policy
If the host set a Strict or Super Strict cancellation policy, the refund window is much shorter. A Strict policy allows a full refund only if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in. A Super Strict policy may allow a refund only 14 days before check-in, or offer only a 50 percent refund even within that window.
If you cancel after the refund window closes under a Strict policy, you will see a refund amount of zero on the cancellation screen. You can still cancel the booking, but no money will be returned automatically. Your only option for a refund is to contact the host directly and ask them to issue one outside the policy.
Some hosts will refund part or all of the booking if you explain a genuine emergency or hardship. Send a message through the Airbnb app explaining your situation and ask if they will consider a refund. The host is not required to agree, but many will if the reason is compelling and you ask politely.
Contacting Airbnb Support if You Have a Problem
If you cancelled the booking but the refund did not arrive after two weeks, or if you see an error in the refund amount, contact Airbnb through the app or website. Go to the Help section, select "Trips," then "Cancellations," and choose "I need help with a cancellation." Describe the issue and include your reservation number.
Airbnb support can investigate delayed refunds and correct refund amounts if an error occurred. Response times vary, but Airbnb typically replies within one to three business days. Keep your cancellation confirmation email handy when you contact support—it contains the reservation number and refund amount Airbnb promised.
If you cancelled because the host cancelled on you, or because Airbnb removed the listing, you may be may have access to to a full refund regardless of the cancellation policy. Explain this in your message to support, and include any relevant screenshots or emails from the host.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an Airbnb booking after check-in has started?
No, you cannot cancel through the app or website once you have checked in. If you need to leave early, contact the host directly through the Airbnb app and ask about a refund. The host can issue a refund if they choose, but they are not required to do so.
What if I cancel but the host refuses to accept the cancellation?
Once you click "Cancel reservation" and confirm, the cancellation is complete on Airbnb's end. The host cannot undo it. The host will receive a notification and the dates will open up for other guests to book. Your refund will process according to the cancellation policy.
Do I lose my money if I cancel within 24 hours of check-in?
It depends on the host's cancellation policy. If the policy is Flexible, you can cancel up to one day before check-in and receive a full refund. If the policy is Moderate or Strict, you may lose some or all of your money if you cancel within 24 hours. Check the cancellation policy on your reservation to see the exact refund amount.
Can I get a refund if I cancel because of bad weather or a travel emergency?
Airbnb does not automatically refund bookings cancelled due to weather or personal emergencies. Your refund depends on the host's cancellation policy and how close you are to check-in. You can contact the host through the app and explain your situation—some hosts will issue a refund as a courtesy, but they are not required to.
How long does it take to see the refund in my bank account?
Refunds typically arrive within five to ten business days after you cancel. The exact timeline depends on your bank and payment method. Credit and debit card refunds may take up to two weeks to appear. If you do not see the refund after 14 days, contact your bank or payment provider to check the status.