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. Airbnb will show you the refund amount before you confirm the cancellation. The refund depends on how far in advance you cancel and which cancellation policy the host chose when they listed the property.
The cancellation takes effect when ready once you confirm it. Airbnb will send you a confirmation email with the refund details. The money goes back to the original payment method — the same card or account you used to book — and typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days, though your bank may take longer to process it.
Key Takeaways
- Cancel through the Airbnb app or website under your Trips section, and the refund amount will display before you confirm.
- Your refund depends on the host's cancellation policy and how many days before check-in you cancel.
- Flexible policies refund the full amount if you cancel at least one day before check-in; strict policies may refund nothing if you cancel within 60 days of arrival.
- Refunds return to your original payment method and usually arrive within 5 to 10 business days.
- If the host cancels on you, Airbnb offers a full refund plus a credit toward a future booking.
Understanding Airbnb's cancellation policies
Airbnb has five standard cancellation policies, and the host chooses which one applies to their listing. The policy determines how much you get back and how close to your check-in date you can still cancel without losing money.
Flexible lets you cancel up to one day before check-in and receive a full refund. Moderate requires you to cancel at least five days before check-in for a full refund; if you cancel between one and five days before, you lose the first night's fee. Firm requires 30 days' notice for a full refund, and you lose the first night if you cancel between 7 and 30 days before. Strict requires 60 days' notice for a full refund and you lose the first night if you cancel between 30 and 60 days before. Super Strict requires 60 days' notice and you lose 50 percent of the booking cost if you cancel between 7 and 60 days before.
The policy is listed on the property's main page under "Cancellation policy." Check it before you book so you know what happens if your plans change.
Step-by-step cancellation process
Open the Airbnb app or go to airbnb.com and sign in to your account. Tap or click "Trips" at the bottom of the app or in the top menu on the website. Find the reservation you want to cancel and tap or click on it.
Scroll down and look for the "Cancel reservation" button. Tap or click it. Airbnb will show you the cancellation policy for that listing and calculate your refund amount. Read the refund details carefully — it will tell you exactly how much money you will receive and when.
If you agree, tap or click "Cancel reservation" again to confirm. You will see a confirmation screen with a reference number. Airbnb will send a confirmation email to the address on your account within a few minutes. The host will also be notified that you have cancelled.
When you cancel too close to check-in
If you cancel within the window that your host's policy allows, you will lose some or all of your payment. For example, under a Moderate policy, if you cancel two days before check-in, you lose the first night's fee and get back the rest. Under a Super Strict policy, if you cancel 45 days before check-in, you lose 50 percent of the entire booking.
Airbnb shows you the exact refund amount before you confirm the cancellation, so you will know what you are losing. Once you confirm, the cancellation is final — Airbnb does not reverse cancellations or make exceptions based on the reason you are cancelling.
If you are cancelling because of an emergency or a serious problem with the listing, contact Airbnb Support through the app or website. They can sometimes issue a refund outside the normal policy, but this is not may provide and depends on your account history and the circumstances.
What happens if the host cancels on you
If the host cancels your reservation, Airbnb automatically refunds your full payment to your original payment method. You also receive an Airbnb credit equal to the booking amount that you can use toward any future reservation. This credit does not expire for one year.
The host must provide a reason for the cancellation. If they cancel within 30 days of your check-in date, Airbnb considers it a late cancellation and you may be offered additional compensation, such as a larger credit or help finding an alternative listing.
Refund timing and payment methods
Airbnb processes refunds to the original payment method within 5 to 10 business days. If you paid with a credit or debit card, the refund appears as a credit on your statement. If you paid with PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or another digital wallet, the refund goes back to that account.
Your bank or payment provider may take additional time to post the refund to your account. Some banks show pending refunds right away; others take several more business days. If your refund does not appear after 10 business days, contact Airbnb Support with your confirmation number and they can investigate.
Refunds for cancellations made before check-in go back to the payment method you used to book. If you used a gift card to pay, the refund amount is credited back to your Airbnb account as a gift card balance.
Cancelling a reservation after you have checked in
Once you have checked in, you cannot cancel through the normal cancellation process. If you need to leave early, contact the host directly through the Airbnb messaging system and explain your situation. The host can agree to let you leave early and may issue a partial refund at their discretion.
If the host refuses to respond or the listing has a serious problem — such as a safety hazard, missing amenities, or uncleanliness — contact Airbnb Support when ready. Describe the issue in detail and provide photos if possible. Airbnb can issue a refund or credit if the listing does not match the description or is unsafe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation and get my money back?
Yes, but how much you get back depends on the host's cancellation policy and when you cancel. If you cancel within the window the policy allows, you receive a full refund. If you cancel after that window closes, you lose some or all of your payment. Airbnb shows the refund amount before you confirm the cancellation.
What if I cancel and then want to rebook the same property?
You can search for the property again and book it if it is still available. Your refund from the cancelled reservation will be processed separately and may not arrive before your new check-in date, so make sure you have another payment method ready. If the host has a strict cancellation policy, consider whether you are confident in your new dates before booking again.
How long does it take to get a refund after I cancel?
Airbnb processes refunds within 5 to 10 business days. The money goes back to the payment method you used to book. Your bank may take additional time to post it to your account, so the full refund can take up to two weeks to appear.
Can Airbnb force a refund if I cancel outside the policy window?
No, Airbnb enforces the cancellation policy the host chose. However, if you cancel because of a serious problem with the listing — such as safety issues or false advertising — contact Airbnb Support with photos and details. They may issue a refund or credit outside the normal policy, but this is not may provide.
What if the host cancels my reservation?
You receive a full refund plus an Airbnb credit equal to your booking amount that you can use on any future reservation within one year. If the host cancels within 30 days of your check-in, Airbnb may offer additional compensation to help you find alternative accommodation.