How to cancel your Airbnb reservation
You can cancel a reservation through the Airbnb app or website by going to your Trips, selecting the booking, and clicking the Cancel Reservation button. The amount you receive back depends on the host's cancellation policy and how close you are to the check-in date. Airbnb processes refunds to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days after the cancellation is confirmed.
The cancellation takes effect when ready once you confirm it. The host receives a notification, and your calendar hold is released so the dates become available for other guests. 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 amount shrinks based on the policy you agreed to when you booked.
Key Takeaways
- Cancel through your Trips section in the app or website by selecting the reservation and clicking Cancel Reservation.
- Your refund amount depends on the host's cancellation policy and the number of days between cancellation and check-in.
- Refunds process to your original payment method in 5 to 10 business days, not when ready.
- If you cancel within 48 hours of booking, you usually receive a full refund regardless of the policy.
- Extenuating circumstances like illness or emergency may allow you to request a refund outside the normal policy terms.
Understanding Airbnb's cancellation policies
Airbnb offers hosts several cancellation policy options, and the one selected for your reservation determines your refund. The most common policies are Flexible (full refund up to 24 hours before check-in), Moderate (full refund up to 5 days before check-in), Firm (full refund up to 10 days before check-in), and Strict (full refund up to 30 days before check-in). Some hosts also offer Non-Refundable rates, which give you a discount in exchange for no refund if you cancel.
You can see the exact policy for your reservation by opening the booking details. Look for the "Cancellation policy" section, which shows the refund percentage at each stage leading up to check-in. For example, a Moderate policy might refund 100% if you cancel 5 or more days out, 50% if you cancel 2 to 4 days out, and 0% if you cancel within 48 hours. The policy is set when the host lists the property and applies to all bookings unless the host changes it.
Step-by-step cancellation process
On the Airbnb app: Open the app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right. Select Trips, then find the reservation you want to cancel. Tap on it to open the booking details. Scroll down and tap Cancel Reservation. Read the refund amount shown, then confirm by tapping Cancel Reservation again. You will see a confirmation message with your cancellation number.
On the Airbnb website: Log in and click Trips in the top navigation. Find the reservation and click on it. Scroll to the bottom and click Cancel Reservation. Review the refund amount, then click Cancel Reservation to confirm. A confirmation page will appear with your cancellation number and refund details.
After cancellation, you will receive an email confirmation within minutes. The host also receives a notification. If you need to cancel multiple reservations, repeat this process for each one — there is no bulk cancellation option.
Refund timelines and payment methods
Airbnb refunds go back to the original payment method you used to book. If you paid with a credit card, the refund appears as a credit to that card. If you used a debit card, the funds return to your bank account. If you paid with Airbnb credit (from a previous cancellation or a gift card), the refund becomes Airbnb credit in your account.
The refund typically posts within 5 to 10 business days, though your bank or card issuer may take an additional 1 to 2 business days to display it. If you paid with a debit card, the timeline is often longer than with a credit card because banks process refunds differently. Check your bank's transaction history to confirm the refund has arrived — sometimes it shows as pending before it settles.
If a refund does not appear after 10 business days, contact Airbnb support through the Resolution Center in your account. Have your cancellation number ready, which you received in the confirmation email.
Cancelling when the host has already confirmed
If the host has confirmed your reservation or sent you a message, cancelling still works the same way — you follow the steps above and receive the refund based on the policy. The host cannot prevent you from cancelling, though they may send you a message asking you to reconsider. You are not obligated to respond or change your decision.
If you cancel after the host has prepared for your arrival (cleaned, stocked supplies, turned down the bed), they may leave a review noting the cancellation. This does not affect your refund, but it becomes part of your Airbnb history and may be visible to future hosts. Cancellations close to check-in are more likely to result in negative reviews.
Requesting a refund for extenuating circumstances
If you face an emergency — illness, injury, death in the family, or a natural disaster affecting your travel — you can request a refund outside the normal cancellation policy. Go to the Resolution Center in your account, select the reservation, and click Request a Refund. Explain the situation and provide any supporting documents (a doctor's note, news article about the disaster, or airline cancellation confirmation).
Airbnb reviews these requests on a case-by-case basis. There is no may provide of approval, but hosts and Airbnb are often willing to work with guests facing genuine hardship. Response times vary from a few hours to several days. If Airbnb denies your request, you can appeal once by providing additional information.
Do not cancel the reservation first and then request a refund. Instead, request the refund through the Resolution Center while the reservation is still active. Once you cancel, the normal policy refund is final.
What happens to your Airbnb account after cancellation
Cancelling a reservation does not affect your account status or your ability to book future stays. Your cancellation history is visible to hosts when they review your profile, but a single cancellation rarely prevents you from booking. Hosts are more cautious about guests with multiple cancellations or cancellations very close to check-in.
If you cancel frequently, Airbnb may flag your account for review, though this is uncommon. Your cancellation does not lower your rating or remove positive reviews you have already received. The dates you cancelled become available for other guests to book when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel an Airbnb reservation after check-in has started?
No. Once you check in, the reservation is active and you cannot cancel through the normal process. If you need to leave early, contact the host directly to discuss options. Some hosts may offer a partial refund as a courtesy, but Airbnb does not process refunds for stays already in progress.
What if the host cancels on me?
If the host cancels, Airbnb refunds your full amount regardless of the cancellation policy. You also receive a credit equal to 50% of the nightly rate (up to a maximum) that you can use toward a future booking. The host must provide a reason for the cancellation, and repeated cancellations can result in the host losing their listing.
Do I lose my money if I cancel within 24 hours of check-in?
It depends on the cancellation policy. Flexible policies refund 100% up to 24 hours before check-in. Moderate, Firm, and Strict policies refund less or nothing at that point. Check your reservation details to see the exact refund percentage for your cancellation date.
Can I cancel and rebook at a different property without losing money?
Only if you cancel within the grace period (usually 48 hours after booking) or within the full-refund window of the cancellation policy. If you cancel outside that window, you lose the difference between your refund and the original price. Rebooking at a different property costs the full price of that new reservation.
How do I know if my refund was processed?
Check your email for the cancellation confirmation, which includes the refund amount and expected timeline. Log into your Airbnb account and go to Account Settings, then Payments and Payouts, to see transaction history. Contact your bank or card issuer if the refund does not appear after 10 business days.