How to cancel your Airbnb booking
You can cancel an Airbnb reservation through the Airbnb app or website by going to your reservations, selecting the booking you want to cancel, and clicking the "Cancel reservation" button. The amount of money you receive back depends on when you cancel relative to the check-in date and the host's cancellation policy — Airbnb shows you the refund amount before you confirm the cancellation, so you will know exactly what you are getting back.
The cancellation takes effect when ready once you confirm it. Airbnb then notifies the host, and the refund process begins. Most refunds arrive in your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days, though the exact timing depends on your bank or payment processor.
Key Takeaways
- Airbnb shows your exact refund amount before you confirm the cancellation, based on the host's policy and how close you are to check-in.
- Cancellations take effect when ready, but refunds typically arrive in 5 to 10 business days depending on your bank.
- Flexible policies refund your full payment if you cancel up to one day before check-in; moderate policies have a 5-day window; strict policies offer little or no refund.
- If the host cancels instead, you receive a full refund plus Airbnb credit equal to 50 percent of your nightly rate for future bookings.
- You can request a refund after canceling if circumstances change, but the host must agree to it.
Understanding Airbnb's cancellation policies
Every Airbnb listing has a cancellation policy set by the host. There are four main types: Flexible, Moderate, Strict, and Super Strict. The policy determines how much of your payment you lose if you cancel.
Flexible policies let you cancel up to one day before check-in and receive a full refund. Moderate policies give you five days before check-in to cancel for a full refund; if you cancel between five days and one day before check-in, you lose the first night's payment. Strict policies refund your full payment only if you cancel more than 30 days before check-in; cancellations within 30 days forfeit 50 percent of the total booking cost. Super Strict policies refund your full payment only if you cancel more than 60 days before check-in, and you lose 50 percent if you cancel within 60 days.
Some listings also have a Non-refundable rate option, where you pay a lower nightly rate in exchange for no refund if you cancel. The policy is always displayed on the listing page before you book, and Airbnb reminds you of it during checkout.
Steps to cancel through the 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" or "Reservations" depending on whether you are using the app or website.
Find the reservation you want to cancel in the list. Click or tap on it to open the booking details. Scroll down until you see the "Cancel reservation" button and click it. Airbnb will show you a summary of what you are canceling, the host's policy, and the exact refund amount you will receive. Review this information carefully — this is your final note to see the refund before you confirm.
Click "Cancel reservation" again to confirm. Airbnb will ask you to select a reason for the cancellation from a dropdown menu. Choose the option that best matches your situation. This step helps Airbnb understand cancellation patterns but does not affect your refund amount. Once you confirm, the cancellation is final and the host is notified when ready.
What happens when the host cancels instead
If the host cancels your reservation, you automatically receive a full refund of your entire payment. On top of that, Airbnb issues you a credit equal to 50 percent of your nightly rate for the canceled dates. You can use this credit toward any future Airbnb booking within one year.
The host must provide a reason for the cancellation. If they cancel within 30 days of check-in without an extenuating circumstance (such as a death in the family or property damage), Airbnb may penalize them or remove the listing. This protection exists to discourage hosts from canceling to rebook at a higher price.
Refund timing and payment methods
Refunds are processed to your original payment method — the card, PayPal account, or other payment source you used when you booked. Airbnb initiates the refund within 24 hours of your cancellation, but the money does not appear in your account when ready. Banks and payment processors take 5 to 10 business days to complete the transfer, though some may take longer.
If you paid with a debit card, the refund may take longer than a credit card refund because debit transactions move through different banking channels. If you used a third-party payment service like PayPal or Apple Pay, the refund goes back to that service first, and then to your bank account — adding an extra step to the timeline.
You can check the status of your refund by going to your account settings, selecting "Payments and payouts," and looking at your transaction history. Airbnb shows the refund status there, including the expected arrival date.
Requesting a refund after you have canceled
If you cancel and then change your mind, you cannot automatically rebook the same reservation — it is gone. However, you can contact the host directly and ask if they will reopen the dates or reverse the cancellation. Some hosts will do this as a courtesy, especially if you cancel very soon after booking.
To contact the host, go back to your Trips or Reservations page, find the canceled booking, and look for a "Message host" option. Explain your situation and ask politely if they will consider reopening the reservation. The host is under no obligation to agree, but many will if the cancellation was recent and the dates have not been rebooked.
If the host agrees to reopen it, they will send you a new reservation link. You will need to book it again and pay through Airbnb's normal checkout process. The original cancellation refund will still go through, so you will receive that money and then pay for the new booking separately.
Common mistakes to avoid when canceling
Do not assume your refund will arrive on a specific date. Airbnb processes refunds within 24 hours, but your bank controls the rest. If you need the money by a certain date, cancel early enough to account for the 5 to 10 business day window — longer if you are using a debit card.
Do not cancel and when ready rebook the same dates with a different host without checking the new listing's cancellation policy. You might end up with a stricter policy and lose money if you need to cancel again. Read the policy carefully before you confirm the new booking.
Do not contact Airbnb customer service expecting them to override the host's cancellation policy. Airbnb enforces the policy as written on the listing. The only exception is if the host cancels on you — then Airbnb automatically issues the full refund plus credit. If you cancel, the policy applies as stated.
Do not wait until the last minute to cancel if you are uncertain about your trip. The closer you get to check-in, the less money you will receive back under most policies. If you think you might not go, cancel as soon as you know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation after check-in has started?
No. Once your check-in date arrives, the reservation is considered active and you cannot cancel through the normal cancellation process. If you need to leave early, contact the host directly to discuss your options. Some hosts may agree to a partial refund or release you from the booking, but this is entirely up to them and is not may provide.
What if I cancel but the refund does not show up after 10 business days?
Contact your bank or payment processor first to confirm the refund was received on their end. If it was, the delay is on their side and they can tell you when to expect it. If your bank has no record of it, go to your Airbnb account, find the canceled reservation in your transaction history, and note the refund reference number. Then contact Airbnb customer service through the app or website with this information and ask them to investigate.
Do I lose money if I cancel a flexible policy reservation one day before check-in?
Yes. Flexible policies allow cancellation up to one day before check-in for a full refund, but "one day before" means 24 hours or more before your check-in time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before check-in, you lose your full payment. Check your exact check-in time on your reservation details to know the exact important date.
Can the host cancel my reservation and then rebook the same dates at a higher price?
Technically yes, but Airbnb discourages it. If a host cancels within 30 days of check-in without a legitimate reason, Airbnb may suspend or remove their listing. When you receive a host cancellation, you get a full refund plus 50 percent nightly rate credit, so you are protected financially. If you believe the host canceled to rebook at a higher price, you can report it to Airbnb through the Resolution Center.
What happens to my Airbnb credit if I do not use it within a year?
Airbnb credit from a host cancellation expires one year from the date it was issued. If you do not use it by then, it disappears and you cannot recover it. Mark the expiration date on your calendar and use the credit before it runs out.