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 button. The amount of money you receive back depends on the host's cancellation policy and how close you are to your check-in date. Airbnb shows you the refund amount before you confirm the cancellation, so you know exactly what to expect.
The cancellation process takes a few minutes, but the refund itself can take 5 to 10 business days to appear in your original payment method. If you cancel within the host's free cancellation window, you get the full amount back minus Airbnb's service fees in most cases. Outside that window, the host keeps a portion of your payment according to their stated policy.
Key Takeaways
- You can cancel through the Airbnb app or website by selecting your reservation and clicking cancel; the refund amount appears before you confirm.
- Refunds depend entirely on the host's cancellation policy, which you can find on your booking confirmation and ranges from fully refundable to non-refundable.
- Airbnb service fees are not refunded even if the host refunds their portion, so your total refund will be less than what you paid.
- Refunds take 5 to 10 business days to reach your original payment method after cancellation is processed.
- If the host cancels instead of you, you receive a full refund plus Airbnb credit for rebooking, regardless of their cancellation policy.
Understanding cancellation policies and refund amounts
Every Airbnb listing displays the host's cancellation policy on the booking page before you pay. The policy determines what portion of the nightly rate the host keeps if you cancel. Airbnb offers several standard policies: flexible (free cancellation up to 1 day before check-in), moderate (free cancellation up to 3 days before), firm (free cancellation up to 7 days before), strict (free cancellation up to 14 days before), and super strict (no refund at all).
When you cancel, Airbnb shows you the exact refund amount in a breakdown before you confirm. This breakdown includes what the host refunds, what Airbnb keeps, and any taxes or fees. The service fee you paid to Airbnb is separate from the nightly rate and is not refunded under any cancellation policy. If you paid $500 total and $75 was Airbnb's service fee, the maximum refund you can receive is $425 even if the host's policy allows a full refund.
Some hosts set custom cancellation policies that differ from Airbnb's standard options. These appear on the listing page and in your confirmation email. Read the exact policy before booking if the cancellation terms matter to you.
Steps to cancel through the app or website
Open the Airbnb app or go to airbnb.com and sign into your account. Tap or click the profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Trips" or "Reservations." Find the booking you want to cancel in the list and tap or click on it to open the reservation details.
Scroll down to find the "Cancel reservation" button or link. Tap or click it. Airbnb will show you a summary of the cancellation, including the refund amount, the date the refund will be processed, and the host's cancellation policy. Review this information carefully. If the refund amount is lower than you expected, this is because you are outside the free cancellation window or the host's policy does not cover your dates.
Tap or click "Cancel reservation" again to confirm. You will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. The refund will be processed according to the timeline shown, typically 5 to 10 business days.
What happens if you cancel outside the free window
If you cancel after the host's free cancellation period ends, the host keeps a percentage of the nightly rate according to their policy. A firm policy, for example, allows free cancellation up to 7 days before check-in; if you cancel 5 days before, you are still within the window and get the full refund. If you cancel 3 days before, you are outside the window and the host keeps 50 percent of the nightly rate.
The closer you are to check-in, the more the host typically keeps. Some strict policies allow the host to keep 75 percent or more if you cancel within 7 days of arrival. Super strict policies refund nothing at all, no matter when you cancel. The exact percentages depend on the host's chosen policy, which is always visible before you book.
When the host cancels instead of you
If the host cancels your reservation, you are treated differently than if you cancel yourself. You receive a full refund of all charges, including Airbnb's service fee, regardless of the cancellation policy. You also receive Airbnb credit equal to the full amount of your reservation, which you can use to book another stay within one year.
Host cancellations are rare but happen when a host needs to block their calendar unexpectedly or decides to delist their property. Airbnb notifies you by email and in the app. You do not need to take any action; the refund and credit are issued automatically.
Refund timing and payment methods
Airbnb processes refunds to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days after you cancel. If you paid with a credit or debit card, the refund appears as a credit on that card's statement. If you paid with PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, the refund goes back to that account. Bank transfers and other payment methods follow the same timeline.
Weekends and holidays can extend the processing time. If you do not see the refund after 10 business days, check your payment method's transaction history to confirm it was received. Some banks take an additional 1 to 3 business days to post the credit to your account, even after Airbnb sends it.
If you believe a refund was not processed correctly, contact Airbnb support through the app or website. Go to your reservation, scroll to the bottom, and select "Get help." Describe the issue and provide your reservation number. Airbnb support can investigate and reissue the refund if there was an error.
Cancellation and travel insurance
Airbnb offers an optional Host Protection and Guest Protection program that covers certain cancellations, but it is not the same as travel insurance. This protection covers you if the host cancels or if the listing is significantly misrepresented when you arrive. It does not cover your own cancellations for personal reasons.
If you want coverage for your own cancellations due to illness, weather, or other emergencies, you need to purchase travel insurance from a third-party provider before you book. Some travel insurance plans cover Airbnb cancellations if you cancel for a covered reason. Read the policy details carefully, as many exclude certain situations or have high deductibles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation after check-in?
No. Once you have checked in, the reservation is considered active and cannot be cancelled through the normal cancellation process. If you need to leave early, contact the host directly to discuss options. Some hosts may agree to a partial refund or allow you to rebook, but this is at their discretion and not may provide by Airbnb's policies.
What if the host has a super strict cancellation policy?
A super strict policy means the host keeps 100 percent of the nightly rate if you cancel at any time before check-in. You receive no refund of the nightly charges, though Airbnb's service fee may be refunded in some cases depending on your location. Always read the specific policy before booking if cancellation flexibility matters to you.
Do I get Airbnb credit instead of a refund?
Airbnb does not automatically issue credit instead of a refund. You receive a refund to your original payment method based on the host's cancellation policy. Airbnb credit is only issued if the host cancels on you, in which case you get both a full refund and credit equal to the reservation amount.
How do I cancel if I cannot access my account?
If you cannot log in, use the "Forgot password" option on the Airbnb login page to reset your password. If you still cannot access your account, contact Airbnb support through the website's help center. Select "Get help" and describe the issue. Support can help you regain access or process a cancellation on your behalf if needed.
Can I cancel and rebook at a different price?
You can cancel your current reservation and book a different listing, but Airbnb does not automatically adjust pricing or transfer your booking. You will need to cancel the original reservation, receive your refund, and then search for and book a new listing. If prices have risen, you will pay more; if they have fallen, you will pay less. The refund from your original booking will help cover the new reservation.