You can cancel a reservation request up until the host accepts or declines it
An Airbnb reservation request is different from a confirmed booking. When you request a listing instead of booking it when ready, the host has time to review your profile and decide whether to accept you. Until they respond, you can cancel that request without penalty—the host will see that you withdrew it, and no charge will appear on your payment method.
Once the host accepts your request, it becomes a confirmed reservation, and cancellation rules change. The window to cancel a request without consequences is only open while it sits in "pending" status. After that, standard cancellation policies explore, which may include losing your payment depending on how close you are to the check-in date.
Key Takeaways
- You can cancel a pending request at any time before the host accepts or declines it, with no charge or penalty.
- Once a host accepts your request, it becomes a confirmed booking and is subject to the listing's cancellation policy.
- The cancellation option appears in the Airbnb app or website under "Trips" or "Messages" while the request is still pending.
- If a host declines your request, it is automatically cancelled and you can request another listing or send a new request to the same host.
How to cancel a pending request on the Airbnb app
Open the Airbnb app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select "Trips" to see your upcoming and pending reservations. Find the listing you want to cancel and tap on it. You will see the reservation details and a status that says "Pending" or "Awaiting host response."
Scroll down and look for a "Cancel request" or "Withdraw request" button. Tap it, and Airbnb will ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the request is withdrawn when ready. The host will be notified that you cancelled, and your payment method will not be charged.
How to cancel a pending request on the Airbnb website
Log into your Airbnb account on a computer or mobile browser. Click on your profile icon in the top right and select "Trips." Find the pending reservation and click on it to open the details page.
Look for a "Cancel request" link or button, usually near the top or bottom of the reservation details. Click it and confirm your cancellation. The request will be withdrawn, and the host will see that you are no longer interested in their listing.
What happens after you cancel a request
The host receives a notification that you withdrew your request. They will not see a reason unless you choose to send them a message explaining. Your payment method is not charged, and no record of the request appears on your account history once it is cancelled.
You can request the same listing again later if you change your mind, or request a different listing. There is no limit to how many requests you can cancel before they are accepted.
The difference between cancelling a request and cancelling a confirmed booking
A pending request has not been accepted yet. You can cancel it with no consequences. A confirmed booking means the host has accepted your request and you have a reservation. Cancelling a confirmed booking is subject to the listing's cancellation policy, which may be flexible, moderate, strict, or non-refundable depending on what the host set.
Check the cancellation policy on the listing details before you request. It will tell you what you lose if you cancel after the host accepts. Some hosts offer a full refund if you cancel more than 30 days before check-in; others do not refund at all. Once you know the policy, you can decide whether to request or book when ready.
What to do if the host accepts your request before you can cancel
If the host accepts your request while you are trying to cancel, the request becomes a confirmed booking and the cancellation policy takes effect. You will see a notification that the host accepted. At that point, you can still cancel, but your refund depends on the policy and how close you are to check-in.
If you no longer want the reservation, go to your Trips, open the booking, and select "Cancel reservation." Airbnb will show you what you will receive back based on the cancellation policy. If the policy is non-refundable and you are within the cancellation window, you may lose your entire payment.
If the host declines your request
If the host declines your request, it is automatically cancelled. You will receive a notification, and your payment method will not be charged. You can then request another listing or send a new request to the same host for different dates.
Some hosts decline requests because they have concerns about your profile, your review history, or the dates you selected. If you want to request from the same host again, consider updating your profile photo or adding a profile description so they feel more confident about you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a request after the host accepts it?
Yes, but it is no longer a request—it is a confirmed booking. You can cancel, but the cancellation policy applies. You may lose part or all of your payment depending on how close you are to check-in and what policy the host set.
Will the host know why I cancelled my request?
The host will see that you withdrew your request, but not why. If you want to explain, you can send them a message before you cancel. Some hosts appreciate a brief note so they do not take it personally.
Can I request the same listing again after I cancel?
Yes. You can request the same listing as many times as you want. The host will see it as a new request and can accept or decline again. There is no penalty for cancelling and requesting again later.
What if I cancel a request and then change my mind?
Once you cancel a request, it is gone. You will need to send a new request if you want to book that listing again. The host will see it as a fresh request, not a resubmission of the old one.
Do I get charged if I cancel a pending request?
No. A pending request has not been accepted, so no charge is placed on your payment method. You can cancel with no cost or penalty.