All thanks to Airbnb Refund Policy, I don’t know what would have been my fate. Let me explain to you about Airbnb Refund Policy and show you how you can get a refund from Airbnb in a case for one reason or the other your plans didn’t work out or your host messed up.
Airbnb is a company that provides a marketplace for hosts and travelers to easily access and demand accommodation all over the word online.
About Airbnb Refund Policy
Just like life’s unpredictable, Airbnb knows this too and beforehand has made provisions for failed bookings arising from one issue to the other. But this does not mean it’s all issues that are considered for a refund. They have curated a list of Travel issues that will make you eligible or not for a refund. The first step of processing your refund is going through this list to ensure your issue is captured.
Processes for getting a Refund from Airbnb
The process of getting a refund from Airbnb is not quite straightforward, there are some important things to sort out before starting.
Is your Problem(s) on their curated travelers’ Issues?
This is the first step as I have mentioned. You have to make sure your issue is eligible for a refund. A few examples of possible eligible issues include;
Unsanitary accommodation, I. e the place prepared for you is unhealthy. You got canceled by your host. The accommodation provided did not match the description you were given and the list goes on…
You need to make sure you’re still within the deadline window. Airbnb expects you to make a report at least 30 days before the reservation date for you to get a refund.
Aside from the above, you need to also be aware and Willing to offer other evidence and explanation to Airbnb if the need arises. The processes vary just as the host and reasons might differ. For some issues regarding the host. It’s demanded that users report such upon arrival or within 24 hours of arrival.
There are two methods of applying for a refund from Airbnb.
Writing to Airbnb for a RefundCalling their customer care
Writing
Writing via email to them is one of the different ways to cancel your bookings. Below are the steps to take to cancel your reservation via writing;
Login to your account on your Desktop or mobile appSelect the option “Request Money”Click on the particular reservation you wish to cancelIn a few lines, write a description of your problems and the need for the cancelationChoose the refund amount you want
This writing is sent to your host, and you expect them to respond within 24 hours. If they failed to respond, you can then involve the company to interfere.
If you would rather request a refund directly from the company then this is the best method to apply for a refund.
Call their customer care via (855) 424-7262Wait for responseReport your problem/issuesPatiently wait for a confirmation email of your request.
If you’re requesting by either emailing or calling, the time taken for a refund is not predictable and it all depends on your kind of issue. But from experience, issues concerning bookings are more quickly resolved than those regarding the host.
Will I get a Half or Full Refund?
The answer depends on the issue leading to the cancellation. If it’s all about bookings, yes it’s possible to get a complete refund but it gets tricky if it’s a host-related issue. In that case, it depends on the host’s refund policy.
What if the host refused to Refund me?
There are cases when disagreement can occur between you and the host. After requesting a refund from a host and he/she does not respond after 24 hours, it’s wise to contact the company directly and implore them to interfere. They will take it from there and ensure you get your refund.
What is the fast way to get a response from Airbnb?
Even though traditional emailing is the most frequent channel of contacting Airbnb, with the advent of social media, it’s been confirmed that there’s a faster response if you contact them via their Twitter handle.
Conclusion
Many new users of Airbnb get confused when they wish to cancel their booked reservation either on arrival at their host’s or before. I hope I’ve been able to guide you on how to get your refund from Airbnb. Of a truth, the process is rigorous but if you need your money back, you have no other option but to follow it duly.
