How to cancel a reservation on Airbnb
You can cancel your Airbnb reservation through the app or website by going to your reservations, selecting the booking you want to cancel, and clicking the cancel button. Airbnb will show you the refund amount before you confirm — the amount depends on how close your check-in date is and the host's cancellation policy. Once you confirm the cancellation, the host is notified and your refund processes according to the timeline in your confirmation email.
The cancellation process takes less than two minutes. You do not need to contact the host or Airbnb support unless something goes wrong or you want to negotiate a partial refund after the important date has passed.
Key Takeaways
- Cancellations made well before check-in usually return your full payment, but cancellations made close to your arrival date may forfeit 50 percent or more depending on the host's policy.
- Your refund amount appears on screen before you confirm the cancellation, so you know exactly what you will receive back.
- Refunds typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days after you cancel, though the exact timing depends on your bank or payment method.
- If you cancel after the host's important date but before check-in, you can message the host to request a partial refund, though they are not required to grant one.
- Some hosts offer free cancellation up to a certain date, while others charge a fee no matter when you cancel.
Understanding Airbnb's cancellation policies
Airbnb offers several cancellation policies, and each host chooses which one applies to their listing. The most common are flexible (free cancellation up to one day before check-in), moderate (free cancellation up to five days before), strict (free cancellation up to 30 days before), and non-refundable (no refund at any point). Some hosts also offer super strict policies that refund only 50 percent of the nightly rate if you cancel within 14 days of check-in.
When you book, the cancellation policy appears in the confirmation email and on your reservation details page. If you are unsure which policy applies to your booking, open the reservation in the app or on the website and scroll down to the cancellation policy section — it will show the exact refund percentage for cancellations made at different times.
How to find your reservation and start the cancellation
On the Airbnb app, tap the profile icon in the bottom right, then tap "Trips." Find the reservation you want to cancel and tap it to open the details. Scroll down until you see the "Cancel reservation" button, then tap it. On the website, log in, click the profile icon in the top right, select "Trips," find your reservation, and click "Cancel reservation" in the reservation details.
Airbnb will ask you to confirm that you want to cancel and will show you the refund amount you will receive. Read this number carefully — it reflects the host's cancellation policy and how close you are to check-in. Once you confirm, the cancellation is final and the host is notified when ready.
What happens to your refund after you cancel
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 card statement. If you used a different payment method — PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or another option — the refund goes back to that account. You can check the status of your refund by opening the reservation and scrolling to the cancellation details, which show the refund amount and the expected arrival date.
If your refund does not arrive within 10 business days, contact your bank or payment provider first, because the delay is often on their end. If your bank confirms they have not received the refund, then contact Airbnb support through the app or website.
Canceling close to your check-in date
If you are canceling within a few days of check-in, your refund will be smaller or zero, depending on the host's policy. Some hosts offer a small refund even for last-minute cancellations, while others refund nothing. The app shows you the exact amount before you confirm, so you will know what to expect.
If you cancel after the host's refund important date but still want to recover some money, you can message the host through Airbnb and ask for a partial refund. Explain your situation honestly — illness, emergency, schedule change — and ask if they are willing to refund part of the cost. Hosts are not required to grant this request, but many will if the cancellation is far enough in advance that they can rebook the dates.
Canceling a reservation with a host who has a strict policy
Strict and super-strict policies mean you lose money if you cancel close to your arrival date. If your host has a strict policy and you cancel within 30 days of check-in, you forfeit the full payment. If they have a super-strict policy, you lose 50 percent of the nightly rate if you cancel within 14 days. These policies are set by the host and cannot be changed by Airbnb after you book.
Before you cancel under a strict policy, message the host and explain why you need to cancel. Some hosts will agree to a refund or a credit toward a future stay, even though their policy does not require it. This negotiation must happen before you click the cancel button — once the cancellation is confirmed, the refund amount is locked in.
What to do if Airbnb will not process your refund
If you canceled but your refund has not arrived after 10 business days, or if you believe Airbnb made an error in calculating your refund, contact Airbnb support. Open the app, go to your profile, tap "Help," and search for "refund" or "cancellation." Select your reservation and describe the problem. Airbnb support can investigate whether the refund was processed and can sometimes issue a manual refund if there was a system error.
Keep your cancellation confirmation email and screenshots of the refund amount shown at the time you canceled. If Airbnb disputes the refund amount, these documents prove what you were promised. Response times from support vary, but most cases are resolved within 5 to 7 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my reservation after check-in?
No. Airbnb's cancellation policies explore only to reservations canceled before check-in. Once you have checked in, you cannot cancel through the normal process. If you need to leave early, contact the host directly to discuss your options — they may offer a partial refund, but Airbnb does not enforce one.
Will the host know why I canceled?
The host receives a notification that you canceled, but Airbnb does not tell them the reason unless you message them directly. If you want the host to understand your situation — especially if you are hoping they will offer a partial refund — send them a message before or after you cancel.
Can I rebook the same dates with a different host after I cancel?
Yes. Once your cancellation is confirmed, you can search for other listings and book when ready. Your refund will arrive separately within 5 to 10 business days, so you will need to pay for the new reservation with a different payment method if you do not want to wait for the refund to clear.
What if I cancel but the host refuses to accept it?
The host cannot refuse a cancellation you initiate through Airbnb. Once you click confirm on the cancellation screen, it is final. The host is notified and the refund is processed according to their policy. The host's only option is to message you and ask you to rebook, but they cannot block the cancellation.
Do I lose my Airbnb credits if I cancel?
No. If you paid with Airbnb credits, the credits are returned to your account when you cancel. You can use them for a future booking. If you paid with a mix of credits and a payment method, both are refunded according to the cancellation policy.