How to cancel your Airbnb reservation
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 you get back depends on when you cancel relative to the check-in date and the host's cancellation policy — Airbnb shows you the refund amount before you confirm the cancellation.
The cancellation takes effect when ready once you confirm it. Airbnb notifies the host right away, and the refund processes to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days, though some banks take longer to post the money to your account.
Key Takeaways
- Cancellation policies vary by listing: some offer full refunds up to 14 days before check-in, others offer partial refunds, and some are non-refundable once booked.
- Airbnb shows you the exact refund amount before you cancel, so you know what you will receive back.
- If you cancel within the host's grace period (usually 48 hours after booking), you get a full refund regardless of the policy.
- Refunds go back to the payment method you used to book, and arrive within 5 to 10 business days.
- If a host cancels on you, Airbnb offers a rebooking credit or full refund depending on how close to check-in the cancellation happens.
Understanding Airbnb's cancellation policies
Every Airbnb listing displays its cancellation policy on the booking page before you pay. Airbnb offers five standard policies: Flexible (full refund up to 1 day before check-in), Moderate (full refund up to 3 days before), Non-refundable (no refund after booking), Strict (full refund up to 14 days before, 50% refund 7 to 14 days before), and Super Strict (full refund up to 60 days before, 50% refund 30 to 60 days before).
Some hosts set custom policies that differ from these templates. The policy you see at booking is the one that applies to your reservation — if the host changes their policy later, it does not affect your booking.
The grace period is separate from the cancellation policy. If you cancel within 48 hours of booking, you get a full refund no matter what policy the listing shows. After that window closes, the stated policy takes over.
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" depending on whether you are using the app or website.
Find the booking you want to cancel in the list. Click or tap on it to open the reservation details. Scroll down until you see the "Cancel reservation" button and click it. Airbnb will show you a summary of the cancellation policy and the refund amount you will receive — this is your final note to see exactly what you are getting back before you proceed.
Click "Cancel reservation" again to confirm. You will see a confirmation message with a cancellation reference number. The host receives a notification when ready, and your refund begins processing to your original payment method.
What happens if you cancel close to check-in
If you cancel within a few days of your check-in date, most cancellation policies pay out little or nothing. A Flexible policy refunds you up to 1 day before check-in, a Moderate policy up to 3 days before, and a Strict policy may refund only 50% if you cancel 7 to 14 days out. Non-refundable listings pay nothing once booked, regardless of when you cancel.
Airbnb does not make exceptions for personal reasons, illness, or travel disruptions — the refund amount depends only on the policy and the calendar. If you are unsure whether you will keep a reservation, cancel before the refund window closes rather than waiting.
When the host cancels on you
If a host cancels your reservation, Airbnb offers you either a full refund or a rebooking credit equal to your original booking amount. You can use the credit to book another Airbnb listing within one year. If you prefer a refund instead, you can request one through the Resolution Center.
If the host cancels within 30 days of check-in, Airbnb also offers a 50% rebooking credit on top of your refund or primary credit. This is meant to help you cover the cost of finding alternative accommodation on short notice. The timing of the host's cancellation determines which offer you receive.
Refund timing and payment methods
Refunds process to the payment method you used to book the reservation. If you paid with a credit card, the refund goes back to that card. If you paid with a debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, or another method, the refund returns to that same source.
Airbnb typically processes refunds within 5 to 10 business days, but your bank or payment provider may take additional time to post the money to your account. Credit card refunds sometimes appear as a credit on your next statement rather than as an when ready deposit. If you do not see the refund after 10 business days, contact your bank to confirm it arrived on their end.
Refunds issued as Airbnb credits (rather than cash refunds) appear in your account when ready and do not require bank processing time.
Cancelling a reservation with a service fee
Airbnb charges a service fee on top of the nightly rate when you book. If you cancel and receive a refund, the service fee is refunded along with the nightly charges — you do not lose the fee. The refund amount shown before you confirm cancellation includes the service fee being returned to you.
If the cancellation policy pays out only a percentage of your booking (for example, 50% under a Strict policy), that percentage applies to the total amount including the service fee. So a 50% refund on a $200 booking (including service fee) returns $100 to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an Airbnb booking after I have already checked in?
No, cancellation options are only available before your check-in date. Once you have checked in, you cannot cancel through the normal cancellation process. If you need to leave early, contact the host directly to discuss options — some hosts may offer a partial refund as a courtesy, but Airbnb does not require them to do so.
What if I cancel but the host does not accept it?
The host cannot reject a cancellation you initiate. Once you click confirm, the cancellation is final and the host is notified. The refund processes according to the policy, regardless of the host's response. If the host disputes the cancellation or refuses to acknowledge it, contact Airbnb through the Resolution Center.
Do I lose my money if I cancel a non-refundable listing?
Yes, non-refundable listings pay out nothing when you cancel after the 48-hour grace period. The only exception is if you cancel within 48 hours of booking, in which case you receive a full refund even on non-refundable listings. After that window, the policy stands and you forfeit the full amount.
Can I get a refund if the listing description was inaccurate?
If the listing does not match the photos or description when you arrive, contact Airbnb through the Resolution Center with photos and details. Airbnb may issue a refund or credit depending on how significant the difference is. This is separate from the cancellation policy and is handled as a case-by-case dispute rather than a standard cancellation.
How do I cancel if I booked through a third-party website?
If you booked through a travel agency, hotel aggregator, or another third-party site rather than directly through Airbnb, you must cancel through that website, not through Airbnb. Contact the third-party site's customer service for refund details, as their policies may differ from Airbnb's standard terms.