How to Cancel Your Airbnb Reservation
You can cancel an Airbnb reservation through the Airbnb app or website by going to your Trips, selecting the reservation, and clicking the "Cancel" button. The amount you get 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 will know exactly what to expect.
The cancellation process takes just a few clicks, but the refund timeline varies. Airbnb typically processes refunds to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days after you cancel, though some banks take longer to show the money in your account. If you cancel and then change your mind, you have a short window to contact Airbnb support to ask them to reverse it — but this is not may provide.
Key Takeaways
- You cancel through the Trips section of the Airbnb app or website, and the refund amount appears on screen before you confirm.
- Refunds depend on the host's cancellation policy (Flexible, Moderate, Strict, or Non-Refundable) and the number of days until check-in.
- Airbnb sends refunds to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days, though your bank may take additional time to process it.
- If you cancel by mistake, contact Airbnb support when ready — they may be able to reverse it within a limited time frame.
- Cancellations made by the host or due to Airbnb's own actions may result in a full refund regardless of the cancellation policy.
Understanding Airbnb's Cancellation Policies
Every Airbnb listing has a cancellation policy set by the host. The four main types are Flexible, Moderate, Strict, and Non-Refundable. A Flexible policy usually lets you cancel up to one day before check-in and get a full refund. A Moderate policy typically allows a full refund if you cancel at least five days before check-in. A Strict policy may only refund 50 percent if you cancel more than 30 days before check-in, and nothing if you cancel closer to the date. A Non-Refundable policy means you get no refund no matter when you cancel.
You can see the host's cancellation policy on the listing page before you book. The policy also shows you a timeline — for example, "Full refund if cancelled 5+ days before check-in" — so you know exactly what you will get back if you cancel on any given date. Airbnb displays this information clearly, and the refund amount updates as your check-in date gets closer.
Steps to Cancel Through the App or Website
On the Airbnb app, open the menu and tap "Trips." Find the reservation you want to cancel and tap it. Scroll down and tap the "Cancel reservation" button. On the website, log in, click the profile icon, select "Trips," find your reservation, and click "Cancel reservation." Either way, Airbnb will show you the refund amount and ask you to confirm.
Before you confirm, read the refund amount carefully. It will show the total you paid, the amount Airbnb is refunding, and any service fees that are non-refundable. Once you click "Confirm cancellation," the action is final from your end, though you can contact support if you change your mind within a short time. Airbnb will send a confirmation email with the cancellation details and expected refund date.
When You Get Your Money Back
Airbnb processes refunds to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days after you cancel. If you paid by credit card, debit card, or PayPal, the refund goes back to that account. If you paid with a gift card balance, the refund goes back into your Airbnb account as a credit. The timeline does not include weekends or holidays, so a cancellation on a Friday may take longer to process.
Your bank or credit card company may take additional time to show the refund in your account, even after Airbnb has sent it. This can add another 3 to 5 business days depending on your financial institution. If you do not see the refund after 10 business days, check your email for Airbnb's confirmation of the refund, then contact your bank to ask if they have received it.
What to Do If the Host Cancels
If the host cancels your reservation, you get a full refund regardless of their cancellation policy. Airbnb also gives you a credit for the full booking amount that you can use toward another reservation within one year. The host must provide a reason for the cancellation, and Airbnb may penalize them if they cancel frequently.
When a host cancels close to your check-in date, Airbnb may also offer you a discount code or travel credit as a gesture of goodwill, though this is not may provide. You will receive an email notification as soon as the host cancels, and the refund process begins automatically. If you have questions about the cancellation or believe the host canceled unfairly, you can contact Airbnb support to discuss your options.
Cancellations Due to Airbnb Issues or Safety Concerns
If Airbnb cancels your reservation because the listing was removed, the host violated Airbnb's policies, or there is a safety issue with the property, you receive a full refund. Airbnb may also issue a full refund if the listing description was misleading or the property does not match the photos. These cancellations are not subject to the host's cancellation policy.
If you discover a serious problem with the listing after you book — such as the property being damaged, unsafe, or significantly different from the description — contact Airbnb support when ready with photos or details. Airbnb will investigate and may cancel the reservation with a full refund on your behalf. The sooner you report the issue, the more time Airbnb has to resolve it before your check-in date.
Contacting Airbnb Support If You Need Help
You can reach Airbnb support through the app or website by going to the Help Center, selecting your reservation, and clicking "Contact us." Choose the reason for your contact — such as "I want to cancel" or "I need help with my cancellation" — and Airbnb will show you relevant articles or let you message a support agent. Response times vary, but Airbnb typically replies within 24 hours during business hours.
If you canceled by mistake and want to reverse it, contact support as soon as possible. Explain that you canceled in error and ask if they can restore your reservation. Airbnb may be able to help if the cancellation is very recent and the host has not already accepted another booking for those dates. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation after check-in?
No, you cannot cancel through the normal process after you have checked in. If you need to leave early, contact the host directly to discuss a partial refund. Airbnb's cancellation policies only explore to cancellations made before check-in.
What happens to my service fees if I cancel?
Airbnb's service fees are usually non-refundable, even if the host's cancellation policy would otherwise give you a full refund. The refund amount shown on screen includes this deduction, so you will see exactly what you get back before you confirm the cancellation.
Can I cancel if the host has already confirmed my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel at any time before check-in, regardless of whether the host has confirmed. The refund amount depends on the host's cancellation policy and how close you are to your check-in date, not on whether the host confirmed your booking.
What if I cancel and then want to rebook the same property?
You can rebook the same listing if it is still available for your new dates. If you received a refund, you can use that money toward the new booking. If the listing is no longer available, you will need to search for a different property.
How do I know if my refund was processed?
Airbnb sends a confirmation email when you cancel, and another email when the refund is processed. Check your email for these messages, and look for the refund in your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days. If you do not see it, contact your bank or Airbnb support.