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Airbnb has a cancellation policy in place to protect both guests and hosts when cancellations occur. If you're a host, choosing the right policy for your vacation rental business is crucial. Below, we'll explore the various Airbnb cancellation policies and help you understand their terms.
What is the Airbnb Cancellation Policy?
The Airbnb Cancellation Policy is a set of rules governing booking cancellations for both guests and hosts. Airbnb provides several cancellation options, each with different terms and payout structures. Here's an overview of the available cancellation options:
1. Flexible
2. Moderate
3. Firm
4. Strict
5. Long-term (Strict and Flexible
6. Super Strict (30 Days)
7. Super Strict (60 Days)
Overview of Airbnb Cancellation Policy Terms:
1. Flexible:
- Full refund if canceled 24 hours before check-in.
- Guests pay for each night if canceled within 24 hours.
- Full refund for remaining nights if canceled after check-in.
Pros:
- Higher ranking in Airbnb's search engines.
- More flexibility for guests.
Cons:
- Hosts are not protected against cancellations.
2. Moderate:
- Full refund if canceled at least 5 days before check-in.
- First night and Airbnb service fee not refunded if canceled within 5 days.
- 50% refund of booking fees for cancellations after check-in.
Pros:
- Guests can't cancel last minute without penalties.
- Hosts are more protected against losses.
Cons:
- Hosts still exposed to cancellations within a week.
3. Firm:
- Full refund if canceled 30 days before check-in.
- 50% refund for cancellations between 7 and 30 days.
- 100% payment if canceled within 7 days.
Pros:
- Guests have flexibility within a reasonable timeframe.
- Hosts are more protected against last-minute losses.
Cons:
- Hosts exposed to losses within a month.
4. Strict:
- Full refund if canceled within 48 hours of booking and 14 days before check-in.
- 50% refund if canceled 7-14 days before check-in.
- No refund if canceled within 7 days.
Pros:
- Lower risk of revenue loss from cancellations.
Cons:
- Guests less likely to book with this policy.
5. Long-term (Strict and Flexible):
- Applies to reservations of 28 nights or longer.
- Strict: Full refund if canceled 48 hours within 28 days before check-in.
- Flexible: Full refund with 30-day notice.
Pros:
- Hosts have time to find another booking.
Cons:
- Greater risk with longer bookings.
6. Super Strict 30 Days:
- By invitation only.
- 50% refund if canceled 30 days before check-in.
Pros:
- Guests are unlikely to cancel.
Cons:
- Guests may be hesitant to book.
7. Super Strict 60 Days:
- By invitation only.
- 50% refund if canceled 60 days before check-in.
Pros:
- Guests are unlikely to cancel.
Cons:
- Guests may be hesitant to book.
How Has the Airbnb Extenuating Circumstances Policy Affected Cancellation Policies?
As of May 31, 2022, Airbnb's Extenuating Circumstances policy no longer covers COVID-19-related circumstances, except for certain cases in South Korea. Hosts should consider the impact of this change on their cancellation policies.
Choosing the Right Policy for Your Listing:
- For most hosts, the Flexible policy is recommended.
- Superhosts or experienced hosts may consider the Moderate option.
- Avoiding the Strict policy is advisable as it may deter potential guests.
Airbnb Host Cancellation Policy:
If hosts need to cancel a booking, Airbnb imposes fees based on timing and recent cancellations. Fees range from $50 to $1,000 USD.
Extenuating Circumstances:
Hosts can cancel under certain circumstances, and fees depend on the timing of cancellation.
Airbnb Guest Refund Policy and Cancellations:
Guests may be eligible for a refund in situations such as inability to access accommodation, incorrect listing details, or health and safety concerns. Guests must submit a claim within 24 hours, providing evidence for review.
Understanding Airbnb's cancellation and refund policies is crucial for hosts and guests alike to ensure a smooth and fair experience.