How to cancel your Airbnb booking

To cancel an Airbnb reservation, open the Airbnb app or website, go to your Trips section, find the booking you want to cancel, and select the "Cancel reservation" button. The refund you receive depends on the host's cancellation policy and how far in advance you cancel. Airbnb shows you the exact refund amount before you confirm the cancellation — you will see what Airbnb keeps as a service fee and what goes back to your payment method.

The cancellation takes effect when ready, but the refund itself can take 5 to 10 business days to appear in your account, depending on your bank or payment provider. If you cancel within the host's grace period (usually 48 hours after booking), you typically get a full refund. After that window, the refund shrinks based on the policy the host chose when they listed the property.

Key Takeaways

  • You can cancel any reservation through the Trips section of your Airbnb account by clicking "Cancel reservation" and confirming the action.
  • The refund amount depends on the host's cancellation policy and the number of days between cancellation and check-in, and Airbnb shows you the exact amount before you confirm.
  • Refunds take 5 to 10 business days to reach your bank account or payment method after cancellation is processed.
  • If the host cancels on you, Airbnb offers a full refund plus a credit toward a future booking, but you must rebook within one year.

Understanding Airbnb's cancellation policies

Airbnb offers hosts five standard cancellation policies, and the one attached to your booking determines your refund. Flexible lets you cancel up to 24 hours before check-in for a full refund. ModerateStrict

Super StrictNon-refundable

What happens when you cancel within the grace period

Most Airbnb bookings come with a 48-hour grace period after you book. During this window, you can cancel for any reason and receive a full refund of the nightly rate, though Airbnb's service fee is not returned. The grace period clock starts the moment your booking is confirmed, not when you receive a confirmation email.

To check whether you are still within the grace period, open your reservation and look at the cancellation policy section — it will show you the exact date and time the grace period ends. If you are within that window, the "Cancel reservation" button will show "Full refund" next to it. Once the grace period expires, the host's chosen policy takes over.

Cancellation refund amounts and timing

Airbnb calculates your refund based on the nightly rate, the number of nights booked, and how many days remain before check-in. The platform shows you a breakdown before you confirm the cancellation: the original charge, the amount Airbnb keeps as a service fee, and the amount returned to you. Service fees are never refunded, even if you cancel within the grace period.

Once you confirm the cancellation, Airbnb processes the refund to your original payment method within 24 hours. However, your bank or credit card company can take an additional 5 to 10 business days to post the money to your account. If you paid with a debit card, the timeline is often longer than with a credit card. Check your bank's transaction history rather than your available balance, since refunds sometimes appear as pending before they fully clear.

When the host cancels on you

If a host cancels your reservation, you receive a full refund of the entire booking amount, including Airbnb's service fee. You also get a service credit equal to the full booking amount that you can use toward any Airbnb stay within one year. The credit appears in your account within 24 hours and shows up as a separate balance when you search for new listings.

The host must provide a reason for the cancellation. If Airbnb determines the cancellation was unfair — for example, the host cancelled because of your nationality or another protected characteristic — you may be offered additional compensation. You can contact Airbnb's support team through the Resolution Center if you believe the cancellation was unjustified.

Cancelling due to a problem with the listing

If you arrive at the property and it does not match the listing, is unsafe, or is missing essential services like heat or running water, you can cancel and receive a full refund even outside the normal cancellation window. You must document the problem with photos or video and contact Airbnb through the Resolution Center within 24 hours of discovering the issue.

Airbnb will investigate your claim and may ask the host for their account of the situation. If Airbnb determines the listing violated its standards, you get a full refund and a service credit. If you have already paid for alternative accommodation, you can request reimbursement for those costs as well, though approval depends on the specifics of your case.

Cancelling for extenuating circumstances

Airbnb's Extenuating Circumstances policy allows you to cancel a non-refundable booking or recover money outside the normal cancellation window if you face a serious, unexpected event. Examples include death or serious illness in your when ready family, natural disasters affecting your travel, or government-issued travel restrictions. You must provide documentation — a death certificate, a doctor's note, an evacuation order, or a government travel advisory.

To request a refund under this policy, go to the Resolution Center, select your booking, and choose "Report a problem." Explain the circumstance and upload your supporting documents. Airbnb reviews these requests individually and can take up to two weeks to make a decision. Approval is not may provide, and Airbnb may offer a partial refund or service credit rather than a full refund, depending on the situation and how close you are to check-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you will lose money for the nights you have already stayed. If you cancel mid-stay, you are charged for the nights you occupied the property, and the remaining nights are refunded according to the host's cancellation policy. Contact Airbnb support to process a mid-stay cancellation rather than using the standard cancellation button.

What if I cancel and then want to rebook the same property?

You can rebook the same listing at any time, but the price may be different and the host is not obligated to accept your new reservation. If the host cancelled on you, your service credit can be used toward rebooking that property or any other listing. If you cancelled, you will need to pay the full price again.

Do I get my Airbnb service fee back if I cancel?

No. Airbnb's service fee is non-refundable in all cases except when the host cancels on you or when Airbnb determines you may have access to for an extenuating circumstances refund. The service fee covers Airbnb's payment processing, customer support, and platform maintenance.

How long does it take to see the refund in my bank account?

Airbnb processes the refund within 24 hours of cancellation, but your bank takes an additional 5 to 10 business days to deposit the money. Debit card refunds often take longer than credit card refunds. If you do not see the refund after 10 business days, contact your bank to confirm it was received.

Can the host refuse to accept my cancellation?

No. You have the right to cancel your reservation at any time. The host cannot prevent you from cancelling, but the refund you receive depends on their cancellation policy and how far in advance you cancel. Once you confirm the cancellation, it is final.