How do I cancel my AirBnB reservation?

Airbnb is a fantastic platform that allows travelers to book lodging at people's private homes. It's often more affordable than booking a hotel and typically includes a kitchen. However, sometimes travel plans change. Sudden changes of weather, disapproved vacation requests, and family emergencies are just a few examples of why someone may need to cancel their Airbnb booking. Keep reading for simple step-by-step instructions on how to cancel your AirBnB reservation.

Cancel Online Through Your Airbnb Account

1. Go to www.airbnb.com

2. In the top right corner, select 'Log In.'

3. You'll be asked to log in with your email address and password. Alternatively, you can use your Google or Facebook account to sign in.

4. In the top right corner, select 'Trips.'

5. You will be redirected to a page with the details of all your upcoming trips. Click on the trip you want to cancel. Read the cancellation policy for the particular property. Owners will list if a trip is refundable and any time restrictions for cancellations. For example, some reservations will be refunded up to 50% if you put the request in more than a week before the trip. There are six types of cancellation policies on AirBnB: flexible, moderate, strict, super strict 30 days, super strict 60 days, and long term.

6. If you are comfortable with the cancellation policy, select 'Modify Reservation.'

7. Under 'Cancel Reservation,' select 'Next.'

8. You will be asked to select a reason why you're canceling from a drop-down menu. Click on the option that best fits your situation, or if none of the options are suitable, select 'Other.' The options will include:

   • I no longer need accommodations
   • I made the reservation by accident
   • I have an extenuating circumstance
   • My host needs to cancel
   • I'm uncomfortable with the host
   • My travel dates changed
   • Other

9. Click 'Confirm Cancellation.'

10. You will receive an email confirming your cancellation to the email associated with your Airbnb account. Note that the trip isn't considered successfully canceled unless you get the email.

Contact Airbnb Customer Support Team Via Phone

If you're unhappy with the property owner's cancellation policy or have a special reason for canceling, you can try to contact the AirBnB Customer Support Team via phone.

This is the recommended route if your host has made you uncomfortable or is asking you to cancel, as the Airbnb Customer Support Team can ensure you aren't penalized for canceling.

Contact Airbnb Customer Support Team Via Live Chat

If you're unhappy with the property owner's cancellation policy or have a special reason for canceling, you can try to contact the AirBnB Customer Support Team via live chat.

This is also a recommended route if your host has made you uncomfortable or is asking you to cancel, as the Airbnb Customer Support Team can ensure you aren't penalized for canceling.

Airbnb Special Circumstances Policy for Cancelations

Airbnb will waive cancellation fees for special circumstances and emergencies. Some examples of these circumstances include death, a serious illness, government-mandated obligations, airport and road closures and flight cancellations, severe security advisories, changes to visa or passport requirements, natural disasters, endemic disease or illness.

In any of these instances, you will need to submit a claim to Airbnb within 14 days of the circumstances. Many of these instances will require proof in documentation format.