Cancel a booking through the Airbnb 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." Find the reservation you want to cancel and tap or click on it to open the booking details.
Look for a button or link that says "Cancel reservation" or "Cancel booking"—the exact wording depends on whether you're using the app or website, but it will be near the top of the booking details page. Tap or click it, and Airbnb will show you the cancellation policy for that specific listing and how much of your payment you'll receive back.
Read the policy carefully before you proceed. The refund amount depends on when you cancel relative to the check-in date and what the host's cancellation policy is. Once you confirm the cancellation, Airbnb will send you a confirmation email and begin processing your refund.
Key Takeaways
- You cancel through your Airbnb account under "Trips," not by contacting the host directly.
- The refund you receive depends on the host's cancellation policy and how many days before check-in you cancel.
- Airbnb shows you the refund amount before you confirm the cancellation, so you know exactly what you'll get back.
- Refunds typically process within 5 to 7 business days, though some payment methods take longer.
- If you cancel after the important date set by the host's policy, you may receive no refund or a partial refund.
Understanding Airbnb's cancellation policies
Airbnb offers several cancellation policy types, and each one determines how much money you get back if you cancel. The host chooses which policy applies to their listing when they create it, so different properties have different rules.
Flexible policies let you cancel up to one day before check-in and receive a full refund. Moderate policies allow a full refund if you cancel at least 5 days before check-in; after that, you lose 50 percent of the nightly rate for the first night. Strict policies refund 50 percent of your payment if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in, but nothing if you cancel closer to the date. Super Strict policies refund 50 percent only if you cancel at least 30 days out. Non-refundable bookings offer no refund under any circumstance.
When you open your booking details and click to cancel, Airbnb displays which policy applies and exactly how much you'll receive. The refund calculation includes the nightly rate, cleaning fees, and service fees—though Airbnb service fees are typically not refunded.
When Airbnb may refund you even after the cancellation important date
Airbnb has a Host Cancellation Protection program that may refund your full payment if the host cancels on you, regardless of their stated policy. If a host cancels your reservation, Airbnb will refund your entire payment and offer you a rebooking credit equal to 50 percent of what you paid, which you can use toward another stay within a year.
You may also receive a full refund if you cancel due to an extenuating circumstance—a serious, unexpected event beyond your control that prevents you from traveling. Examples include a death in your family, a serious illness or injury, a natural disaster affecting your home, or a government-issued travel ban. You must contact Airbnb support with documentation (a death certificate, medical note, or official disaster declaration) to request this exception.
Airbnb reviews these requests on a case-by-case basis and does not may provide approval. If approved, you'll receive a full refund even if the host's policy would normally deny one. Contact Airbnb support through the app or website by going to "Help" and selecting "Contact us" to submit your request.
How long refunds take and where the money goes
Once you confirm your cancellation, Airbnb processes the refund within 5 to 7 business days. The money goes back to the original payment method you used to book—your credit card, debit card, PayPal account, or whatever you chose at checkout.
If you paid with a credit or debit card, your bank may take an additional 3 to 5 business days to post the refund to your account, depending on your financial institution. PayPal refunds typically appear within 24 hours. If you don't see the refund after 7 business days, check your spam folder for the Airbnb confirmation email, then contact Airbnb support with your booking confirmation number.
Canceling a reservation as a host
If you are the host and need to cancel a guest's reservation, open your Airbnb account and go to "Hosting" or "Calendar." Find the booking you want to cancel and select it. Look for a "Cancel reservation" option and choose a reason from the dropdown menu.
When you cancel as a host, the guest receives a full refund of their payment plus a 50 percent rebooking credit. You may also face consequences depending on your cancellation history—too many host cancellations can lower your rating and reduce your visibility in search results. Airbnb allows a small number of cancellations per year without penalty, but repeated cancellations harm your account standing.
What to do if you have a problem with your cancellation
If your refund doesn't arrive within 7 business days, or if you believe you were charged incorrectly, contact Airbnb support. Open the app or website, go to "Help," and select "Contact us." Describe your issue and provide your booking confirmation number. Airbnb support will investigate and either process your refund or explain why the cancellation policy prevented one.
If you canceled within the refund window but the host disputes the cancellation or claims you owe money, document everything—screenshots of the cancellation confirmation, the policy shown at booking, and any messages with the host. Provide these to Airbnb support when you contact them. Airbnb's resolution team will review the case and make a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an Airbnb booking after check-in has started?
No. Once you check in, you cannot cancel through the normal process. If you need to leave early, contact the host directly to discuss your options. Some hosts may offer a partial refund as a courtesy, but Airbnb does not process refunds for stays already in progress.
What happens if I cancel but the host already accepted my reservation?
The cancellation still goes through and you receive the refund amount shown in your policy. The host is notified that you canceled, but they cannot override your cancellation or keep your money if you cancel within the refund window.
Do I lose the Airbnb service fee if I cancel?
Usually yes. Airbnb service fees are not refunded in most cases, even if you cancel within the refund window. Only the nightly rate and cleaning fee are refunded according to the host's policy. Check the refund breakdown before you confirm the cancellation to see exactly what you'll receive.
Can I cancel and rebook with the same host for different dates?
Yes, but you'll lose money if the cancellation policy doesn't offer a full refund. It's often cheaper to message the host directly and ask if they can modify your dates instead of canceling and rebooking. Many hosts will adjust your reservation without a cancellation fee if you ask politely.
What if the listing description doesn't match the actual property?
Contact Airbnb support before you cancel and explain the discrepancy. Airbnb may refund you in full regardless of the cancellation policy if the property materially misrepresents itself. Provide photos or detailed descriptions of what you found versus what was advertised.