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 refund you receive depends on the host's cancellation policy and how close you are to the check-in date. Airbnb shows you the exact refund amount before you confirm the cancellation, so you know what to expect.

The cancellation takes effect when ready once you confirm it. The host receives a notification, and your refund processes according to the timeline in the listing's cancellation policy — typically within 5 to 10 business days, though some policies are faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Cancel through the Airbnb app or website by finding your reservation and selecting the cancel option; the refund amount appears before you confirm.
  • Your refund depends on the host's cancellation policy, which is set when the listing is created and shown on the booking page before you pay.
  • Flexible policies refund most or all of your money if you cancel within a certain window; strict policies may refund nothing if you cancel close to check-in.
  • Refunds process to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days in most cases, though the exact timing depends on your bank.
  • If the host cancels on you, Airbnb offers a full refund plus a credit toward a future booking, regardless of their cancellation policy.

Where to find the cancel button

Open the Airbnb app or go to airbnb.com and sign in. 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. Click or tap on it to open the reservation details.

Once the reservation page is open, scroll down to find the "Cancel reservation" button. It appears near the bottom of the page. Click it, and Airbnb will show you the cancellation policy for that listing and calculate your refund. Review the refund amount, then confirm the cancellation. You cannot undo this action, so double-check before you proceed.

Understanding cancellation policies and refunds

Every Airbnb listing has a cancellation policy set by the host. The policy determines how much money you get back if you cancel, and it depends on how many days before check-in you cancel. Airbnb offers several standard policies: flexible, moderate, strict, and non-refundable. Some hosts also set custom policies.

A flexible policy typically refunds your full payment if you cancel up to one day before check-in. A moderate policy usually refunds most of your money if you cancel 5 to 7 days before check-in, but less if you cancel closer to the date. A strict policy may refund only 50 percent of your payment if you cancel within 30 days of check-in. A non-refundable policy refunds nothing no matter when you cancel. The exact terms appear on the listing page before you book, and again when you cancel.

The refund amount shown when you cancel is the final amount you will receive. Airbnb does not deduct additional fees from cancellations. Your money goes back to the payment method you used to book — usually a credit card or PayPal account — and arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Your bank may take an additional 1 to 3 business days to post the refund to your account.

What happens if you cancel within the refund window

If you cancel within the timeframe your host's policy allows, you receive the refund amount shown on the cancellation screen. For example, if a listing has a flexible policy and you cancel one day before check-in, you get your full payment back minus the Airbnb service fee (which is not refundable). If you cancel outside the refund window — for instance, two days before check-in on a strict policy — you receive nothing.

Once you confirm the cancellation, the host is notified when ready. They may reach out to you through the Airbnb messaging system, but they cannot reverse the cancellation on their end. If you change your mind, you would need to book a new reservation at the current price, which may be higher or lower than your original booking.

What to do if the host cancels on you

If the host cancels your reservation, Airbnb automatically issues a full refund of all charges, including the service fee. You also receive a credit toward a future booking, usually equal to 50 percent of what you paid. This applies regardless of the host's cancellation policy — Airbnb treats host cancellations differently from guest cancellations.

The refund processes within 5 to 10 business days. The booking credit appears in your account when ready and is valid for one year from the date of the cancellation. If you do not use the credit within that year, it expires.

Canceling close to your check-in date

If you are canceling within a few days of check-in, your refund depends entirely on the host's policy. Check the policy on the listing page or in your reservation details before you cancel. Some hosts offer flexible policies that still refund most of your money up to 24 hours before arrival; others have strict policies that refund nothing after a certain date.

If you are in a difficult situation — illness, emergency, or a change in circumstances — you can message the host before canceling to ask if they will make an exception. Hosts are not required to do so, but some will offer a partial refund or allow you to reschedule if you ask politely. This conversation must happen through Airbnb's messaging system, not outside the platform.

How refunds appear in your account

The refund goes back to your original payment method. If you paid with a credit card, the refund appears as a credit on that card's statement. If you paid with PayPal, the money returns to your PayPal account. If you paid with a debit card, the refund goes back to that account.

The timeline varies by payment method and your bank. Airbnb typically processes refunds within 5 to 10 business days, but your bank may take an additional 1 to 3 business days to show the credit. If you do not see the refund after 10 business days, contact Airbnb support through the app or website and provide your reservation number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation after I have already checked in?

No. Once you have checked in, you cannot cancel through the normal cancellation process. If you need to leave early, contact the host directly through Airbnb messaging to discuss your options. The host may agree to a partial refund, but they are not required to do so.

What if I cancel but the host does not accept the cancellation?

The host cannot reject or reverse a cancellation you have made. Once you confirm the cancellation through Airbnb, it is final. The host is notified, and your refund processes according to the cancellation policy. The host's only option is to cancel on their own end if they choose to.

Do I lose the Airbnb service fee if I cancel?

Yes. The service fee is not refundable, even if you cancel within the refund window. If you paid $100 for the room and $20 in service fees, and your policy refunds 100 percent, you receive $100 back but keep the $20 fee. The only exception is if the host cancels on you — then the full amount including the service fee is refunded.

How long does it take to get my money back after I cancel?

Airbnb processes refunds within 5 to 10 business days. Your bank may take an additional 1 to 3 business days to post the credit to your account. If you paid with PayPal, the money may appear in your PayPal account faster than on a credit card.

Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation and rebook the same property for different dates?

Yes, but you will need to cancel first and receive your refund, then book a new reservation separately. The new booking will be at the current price for those dates, which may be higher or lower than your original reservation. You cannot transfer a booking to different dates directly.