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Life is unpredictable and sometimes plans change. Whether it’s a sudden change in your travel itinerary or unforeseen circumstances, getting out of an Airbnb reservation may become a necessity.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to gracefully navigate the process, understand the policies involved, and minimize any potential financial implications.
From exploring Airbnb’s options to communicating effectively with your host, this guide equips you with the knowledge to make a smooth exit when your travel plans take an unexpected turn.
So don’t panic; rest assured that this guide has you covered every step of the way.
Understanding Airbnb’s Policies
Understanding Airbnb’s policies is the first step to successfully navigating the process of canceling a reservation.
These policies outline the rules that govern cancellations, including refund eligibility and any associated fees. At this point, you probably already understand how to make a reservation. Now, what policies does Airbnb have in line with this?
1. Cancellation Policy
You can get out of an Airbnb reservation by simply canceling that reservation. However, before initiating the process of canceling this reservation, it’s important to first understand the policy that governs this action.
This policy plays a pivotal role in determining refund eligibility and potential fees. Hence, you must consider it as you plan to alter your travel plans.
While an unexpected situation may make it necessary for you to consider canceling your reservation, doing so without carefully analyzing the situation and following the right steps may be disastrous.
Airbnb has different types of cancellation policies, ranging from flexible to moderate to firm to strict. We’ll consider these different policies in some detail.
Flexible Policy
This option is the most lenient. If the listing you paid for has a flexible cancellation policy, then you are in luck. This means that if you cancel at least 24 hours before your check-in time, you will be eligible for a full refund.
However, if you cancel the reservation less than 24 hours before check-in time, you will have to pay for your first night. If you have already checked in and something comes up, you can still cancel the reservation.
However, you would have to pay for every night you spent at the property, as well as one additional night.
Moderate Cancellation Policy
If the listing you opted for has this policy, you should note that it is slightly more restrictive than the flexible policy. This means that you will get a full refund if you cancel at least five days before your check-in date.
If you cancel after that, you would have to pay the host for each night you stay and one additional night. You would also have to pay 50 percent of the fee for all unspent nights.
Firm Cancellation Policy
If the property you paid for has a firm cancellation policy, then here are some things you need to note. If you want a full refund, then you would have to cancel at least 30 days before your check-in date.
You can also get a full refund within 48 hours of your booking if the cancellation is at least 14 days before the check-in date.
If you cancel your refund within 7 to 30 days before the check-in date, you will have to pay 50 percent of the fee for every night. If you cancel less than 7 days before your check-in date, then you will have to pay the full fee.
Strict Cancellation Policy
In order to get a full refund, you would have to cancel your reservation within 48 hours of booking. This cancellation must be at least 14 days before your check-in date.
If you cancel within 7 to 14 days before the check-in date, you will pay 50 percent of the fee for all nights. Then, if you cancel after that, you will have to pay the full fee.
The platform also has long-term policies that range from firm to strict.
You need to familiarize yourself with the kind of cancellation policy Airbnb has so you can take the necessary steps.
How to Cancel Your Reservation
One can’t predict what will happen at the last minute. So, while your intention may have been to enjoy your stay at the property, something unexpected may happen, and that’s no fault of yours.
Below are the steps to take to cancel your reservation:
1. Cancel Your Reservation Online
You would have to do this by using your Airbnb account. This means that you would have to log in, and then click on the “Trips” section.
When you do this, you will be redirected to a page that has all the details of your upcoming trips. Then you have to click on the trip you want to cancel.
We have already stated the importance of reading the cancellation policy before canceling. The next thing to do is select “Modify Reservation”. Under the “Cancel Reservation Button”, click next.
When you do this, you will be asked your reason for canceling. Click the option that best suits your situation, and if none does, then click “other”.
The next thing to do is click “Confirm Cancellation” and then you will receive an email confirming the cancellation of your reservation.
Please note that if you do not receive this email, your cancellation has not been affected, and your reservation still stands.
2. Cancel Your Reservation by Contacting Airbnb Customer Support
If you do not feel comfortable with the host’s cancellation policy or have a special reason for canceling, then contact Airbnb customer support via phone. You can also contact them via live chat.
Extenuating Circumstances
Luckily for you, Airbnb waives cancellation fees for emergencies and special circumstances. These include situations that are unforeseen at the time of booking. They include:
- Changes to government travel requirements
- Government travel restrictions
- Natural disasters
- Military actions and other hostilities
- Declared emergencies and epidemics
- Serious illness
If any of the above occurs, then you have to submit a claim to Airbnb within 14 days.
If, for any reason, something that will prevent you from checking in at the agreed date happens, you can alter your reservation.
How to Alter Your Reservation
You can change your check-in date by clicking the “Trips” section, and then submitting a change request to your Airbnb host.
While waiting for a response, make sure you check the status of your request in the “Trips” section. You can also message the host directly.
Conclusion
While unexpected situations may arise, managing your Airbnb reservation is straightforward once you grasp Airbnb’s policies.
Staying informed and following the guidelines detailed in this article ensures you can handle these situations with ease. Life’s unexpected twists need not be stressful.
By carefully reviewing the host’s cancellation policy and making alterations or cancellations at the right time, you can secure a full or partial refund and continue your plans with confidence.
