Airbnb is a homeshare giant that has revolutionized the way people travel, offering low-cost alternatives and more unique options than hotels can usually provide. However, changing travel plans can impact your Airbnb bookings, as can unforeseen issues with your lodging.

In these cases, you may be wondering if it's possible to recoup the money that you’ve paid. Can you get a full refund from Airbnb? The good news is yes, you can get a refund. Let’s take a look at how to get an Airbnb refund.

What to consider before booking

Although you’re booking through Airbnb, what you’re actually doing is paying for an accommodation that is owned by a separate party. This can be the actual homeowner, a management company or even a subletter. What this means is that your contract is with the listing’s owner, not Airbnb, and it is the owner that sets the terms for cancellations.

Airbnb refund policies

There are multiple variations of Airbnb refund policies. Here are some of the most common:

Flexible: Can cancel anytime prior to 24 hours before your stay for a full refund.

Moderate: Cancellable until five days before your stay for a full refund.

Firm: Cancel 30 days before the stay and receive a full refund; cancel between 7 and 30 days before your stay and receive a 50% refund; no refund if canceled fewer than 7 days before the stay.

Strict: Must cancel within 48 hours of booking; if a stay is more than 14 days away, you’ll receive a full refund. If you cancel within seven to 14 days of your stay, you’ll get a 50% refund.

Keep in mind that these policies only apply to the nightly rate you’re paying the host. Airbnb refunds its service fees according to its own schedule, and cleaning fees are always refunded if you cancel prior to check-in.