In mid-April it became clear that our fall trip to Europe needed to be postponed indefinitely. I cancelled some of our reservations, but I had 3 with Airbnb that had strict cancellation policies. I had already paid 50% deposits to them and stood to lose it all. Yesterday I decided to reach out to the hosts and request full refunds. I explained that I understood their policy and knew I could wait in hopes that Airbnb extended their Covid cancellation date, but I wanted them to have time to book other people for our dates. I am happy to report that they have all agreed to do so. After I went into the Airbnb system to officially request cancellation I discovered that they have a cancellation due to Covid-19 category. You just explain your situation and ask for the full refund. Maybe I got lucky with my hosts, but all were very understanding. I encourage anyone holding off on cancelling a reservation to reach out and politely ask. This could also apply for reservations other than with Airbnb. Good luck with your cancellations!
Posted by
California USA
3958 posts
Good job Andrea! I liked that you gave them the incentive to rebook in the longer timeframe with someone who IS able to travel in Europe at this time. We have only one more cancellation to tackle, a Lufthansa one way flight, and you’ve given me the push that I need to do this today.
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10227 posts
Mona, thanks for reminding me that I need to call United. In April they put our miles back in the account, but have not credited the taxes & fees back to the credit card. Good luck with Lufthansa.
Posted by
Tampa
222 posts
Hello,
Same thing happened with my Scotland Airbnb host. I got my full refunds as well even though Airbnb was not supporting full refunds and at the digression of the host.
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10227 posts
After 45 minutes on the phone to United and speaking to 4 people they say it will take 7 business days to get the refund of our taxes & fees. So 7 business days plus 2.5 months. Fingers crossed the money actually goes back on the credit card. I guess unraveling trips can be more work than planning them sometimes.
Posted by
Seattle
107 posts
I cancelled two Airbnb bookings in Sicily and one in Arizona. All were understanding and gave me my full refund. I also got money back for ferry trips and two hotels in Sicily. I felt lucky.
Posted by
SF Bay Area
304 posts
I canceled an Airbnb booking for England (offering to let the host use the deposit for credit against a future stay, since we LOVE the place, but she gave us a full refund) and Airbnb even refunded their part of the deposit, since we chose the Covid-19 cancelation category. I wasn't expecting that, and was very pleased.