Airbnb Cancellation Policy

chloden on 03/05/2018 - 13:27
Last edited 03/05/2018 - 13:44 by 1 other user

I am considering booking with airbnb, but I can't get my head around the "strict" cancellation policy.

Cancel within 48 for a full refund, ok I get that, but then "For a full refund of accommodation fees, cancellation must be made within 48 hours of booking and at least 14 full days prior to listing’s local check-in time (or 3:00 PM if not specified) on the day of check-in" Now that reads to me that I can cancel upto 14 days before to get a full refund. BUT if that is the case why do they say you have 48 hours only for a full refund, and then go on to say 48 hours to 14 days.

I called them and was told upto 14 days for a full refund, then she changed her mind and said upto 14 days for 50% refund. Someone please tell me how it works, I know it can't be this hard and I am over thinking it.

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• 

  djsweet on 03/05/2018 - 13:32

  +12

  It means exactly what it says. For a full refund you must cancel within 48 hours of booking. However, if you are booking less than 2 weeks in advance, you are not eligible for a full refund.

  • 

    tomsco on 03/05/2018 - 16:02

    /thread

• 

  theoracle30 on 03/05/2018 - 13:47

  +4

  You have to cancel within 48 hours for a full refund. However, that 48 hour period must ALSO be at least 14 full days prior to staying there.

  If you booked your accommodation one week before staying, then the 48 hour grace period wouldn't apply.

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  tight-a55 on 03/05/2018 - 14:51

  +1

  the 2 other replies are correct, however note that if there is some kind of serious issue that was outside of your control (i.e family medical emergency etc) and it is within the 14 days, it is sometimes possible to get a full refund. I'm an airbnb host in port Stephens and have had a group cancel their stay a few hours before check in as 1 of the group was admitted to hospital. we received payment through airbnb, but they also received a refund through airbnb after sending medical records to back up their claim.

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  dogboy on 03/05/2018 - 16:16

  Can you reschedule your booking for free? If so, reschedule for >2 weeks ahead and then cancel it once they have rescheduled.

  • 

    chloden on 03/05/2018 - 16:18

    I haven’t made the booking, I am just trying to understand the booking conditions

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  chloden on 03/05/2018 - 16:18

  Thanks, all clear now

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  bobbified on 03/05/2018 - 18:08

  -1

  I can't get my head around the "strict" cancellation policy.

  Strict, compared to what?

  Don't complain - the sale rates for hotels are often "no changes, no cancellations and no refunds". As soon as you put your card details and hit "book", thats it!

  • 

    iseenya on 03/05/2018 - 19:36

    Strict compared to Booking.com, which often has very accommodating 'cancel without penalty' offers.

  • 

    chloden on 04/05/2018 - 16:34

    Thanks, great helpful comment. NOT! I didn't complain. I asked if someone could explain it to me. Which is exactly what the people who made ACTUAL helpful comments did.