A Quick Guide to Airbnb’s Cancellation Policies (2025 Update)
As an Airbnb host, choosing the right cancellation policy is key to balancing booking volume and income protection. Airbnb offers multiple cancellation options, each with its own rules and implications. Here’s a streamlined guide to help you make an informed decision.
Core Principles
- Deadlines are based on the listing’s local check-in time (default is 3:00 PM). Source
- Cleaning fees are fully refunded if the guest cancels before check-in. Source
- Airbnb service fee is refunded only during the free cancellation window — except in Italy or South Korea, where it’s refundable up to check-in. Source
- Guests and hosts can see how many bookings each has canceled in the past 12 months.
- Host cancellations trigger full refunds and penalties (see below).
Cancellation Policy Comparison
| Policy | Full Refund Deadline | Partial Refund | No Refund Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible | 24 hours before check-in | First night only if <24 hrs | N/A |
| Moderate | 5 days before check-in | 50% of remaining nights | First night non-refundable |
| Firm | 30 days before check-in | 50% refund if 7–30 days out | No refund <7 days |
| Strict | 48 hours after booking AND ≥14 days before | 50% refund if ≥7 days out | No refund <7 days |
| Super Strict 30/60 | None | 50% if ≥30/60 days out | No refund <30/60 days |
| Long-Term Firm | ≥30 days before check-in | Pay 30 nights if <30 days out | 30 nights non-refundable |
| Long-Term Strict | 48 hours after booking AND ≥28 days before | Same as above | Same as above |
1. Flexible Policy
- Full refund if canceled ≥24 hours before check-in.
- If canceled <24 hours: guest pays 1 night, rest refunded.
- After check-in, unused nights refunded if guest cancels early.
Best for: Hosts prioritizing high booking volume.
2. Moderate Policy
- Full refund ≥5 days before check-in.
- <5 days: first night is charged, 50% refund of remaining nights.
- Early departure = 50% refund of unused nights.
Best for: Hosts seeking a balance of protection and flexibility.
3. Firm Policy
- Full refund ≥30 days before check-in.
- Cancel 7–30 days before = 50% refund.
- <7 days = no refund.
- 48-hour post-booking grace if booked ≥14 days in advance.
Best for: Hosts with advance booking lead times.
4. Strict Policy
- Full refund only if canceled within 48 hrs of booking and ≥14 days out.
- Cancel ≥7 days before = 50% refund.
- <7 days = no refund.
- No refund for unused nights after check-in.
Best for: Hosts with low rebooking flexibility.
5. Super Strict 30/60 (Invite-Only)
- Cancel ≥30 or 60 days = 50% refund.
- <30 or 60 days = no refund.
- No grace period.
Best for: Hosts with high-value, advance-booked listings.
6. Long-Term Cancellation Policies (28+ nights)
- Firm: Cancel ≥30 days out = full refund. Cancel <30 days = pay 30 nights.
- Strict: Full refund only within 48 hrs of booking + ≥28 days out. Otherwise, same 30-night penalty applies.
Best for: Hosts offering month-long stays.
7. Regional Adjustments: Italy & South Korea
- Italy: Longer refund windows and more service fee refunds.
- South Korea: Strict = full refund ≥30 days, 50% refund <30 days.
- Airbnb service fee is refundable up to check-in.
8. What Happens When a Host Cancels
- Guest receives full refund and rebooking assistance.
- Host pays cancellation fee (min $50 to max 50%).
- Calendar is blocked for canceled dates.
- Public cancellation review is posted.
- Loss of Superhost status and potential account suspension.
9. Valid Host Cancellation Reasons
- Guest intends to break rules (e.g. parties, pets).
- Serious damage, safety issues, or illness.
- Natural disasters or emergency travel restrictions.
- Instant Book: Up to 3 penalty-free “I’m uncomfortable” cancellations per year.
10. Major Disruptive Events Policy
- Activated during large-scale events like:
- Public health emergencies
- Government travel bans
- Natural disasters
- Civil unrest or blackouts
- Guests and hosts can cancel penalty-free if covered.
- Events like guest illness or flight issues are not covered.
11. AirCover: If a Guest Has an Issue
- Guests must report issues within 24 hours of check-in.
- Qualifying issues: safety hazards, pests, misrepresented listings, etc.
- Airbnb may override your policy and fully refund the guest.
Final Tips
- Choose a policy that reflects your cancellation risk and rebooking ability.
- Communicate clearly in your listing what the policy means for guests.
- Keep your calendar accurate to avoid accidental double bookings.
Need help choosing a policy? Visit the Airbnb Help Center or contact Airbnb support.
