Still waiting on a

Airbnb

refund?

You may be eligible for a refund from Airbnb in the following scenarios:

• Host cancels your booking before check-in — you’re entitled to a full refund under Airbnb’s AirCover guarantee.
  
  
• Major Reservation Issues (e.g., the place is unsafe, misrepresented, or dirty) — report it within 72 hours to Airbnb for refund eligibility.
  
  
• Cancellation within policy — if you cancel within the allowed time under the host’s cancellation policy (e.g. Flexible, Moderate, or Strict), you’ll receive a full or partial refund.
  
  
• Extenuating circumstances — government restrictions, natural disasters, or emergencies may qualify for special refunds.
  
  
• Service fee refunds are included if you cancel during the free cancellation window. Outside of that, Airbnb’s service fee is typically non-refundable.
  
  
• What’s not covered: change of mind, misunderstanding the listing, or late problem reporting may void refund eligibility.
  

1. Cancel or report promptly via the Airbnb app or website. Airbnb shows the refund amount based on the host’s policy before you confirm.
   
   
2. If there’s an issue during your stay, message your host first. Document the problem with photos.
   
   
3. Escalate to Airbnb Support within 72 hours if the issue isn’t resolved. Use the Resolution Center to submit your claim.
   
   
4. Follow Airbnb’s instructions — submit refund amounts, reasons, and evidence (photos, messages, etc.).
   
   
5. Customer support review — Airbnb may request more details and contact the host for verification.
   
   
6. Get your refund — once approved, Airbnb initiates the refund and sends a confirmation email. You can track it in your Airbnb account.

Pro Tip: Keep all messages on Airbnb’s platform for documentation and smoother resolution.

• Refunds initiated immediately once approved by Airbnb.
  
  
• Processing times vary by payment method:
  
  
  • PayPal: within 24 hours
    
    
  • Credit/debit card: 5–15 business days
    
    
  • Airbnb credit: instantly
    
    
• Longer delays (e.g. 2–3 billing cycles) may occur with certain international cards.
  
  
• If your refund is delayed, ask Airbnb support for an ARN (Acquirer Reference Number) to help your bank trace it.
  
  
• Split payments (e.g. gift card + card) are refunded to each method proportionally.
  

• Original payment method: Refunds go straight back to the card, PayPal, or other method used.
  
  
• Airbnb credit: Occasionally issued as a travel credit for faster rebooking (you can opt for a cash refund instead).
  
  
• Alternate method: If your card is closed or expired, Airbnb may arrange a different refund method.
  
  
• Gift card or promo credit: Refunded to Airbnb credit.
  
  
• Service fees: Refunded if your case qualifies (e.g. host cancels, AirCover claim).
  
  
• Currency: Refunds are issued in your original currency, though exchange rates and bank fees may slightly affect the final amount received.
  

• Strict cancellation policies — bookings under Strict or Non-refundable policies may yield little or no refund if cancelled late.
  
  
• Non-refundable service fees — guests often expect these back, but Airbnb only refunds them in specific cases.
  
  
• Bank delays — refunds may take longer during holidays or with international banks.
  
  
• Lack of evidence — AirCover claims may be denied if no proof (e.g. photos) is provided.
  
  
• Disputed claims — hosts can contest refunds, leading to partial compensation.
  
  
• Communication breakdowns — inconsistent responses from support agents can delay resolution. Keeping all messages in-app helps streamline the process.