Unexpected charges can be a surprise, especially when they relate to reservations made on platforms like Airbnb. Many users only consider billing when they notice an unexpected amount deducted from their account, often following automatic renewals. This guide will take you through the ins and outs of Airbnb refunds, helping you understand who qualifies and outlining the steps to quickly request a refund when needed. By following this guide, you can easily navigate the refund process and regain peace of mind.
What You Should Prepare Before Applying For Refund
Reservation Number: Gather your unique reservation number from your Airbnb booking confirmation email.
Account Information: Ensure you are logged into the correct Airbnb account associated with the booking.
Reason for Refund: Clearly document your reason for requesting a refund, referencing Airbnb's specific cancellation policy applicable to your situation.
Supporting Documentation: Collect any evidence related to your claim, such as photos of the property if it did not meet the listing description, correspondences with the host, or cancellation messages.
Klarna Payment Proof: Have your Klarna transaction ID ready, which can be found in your payment confirmation or in the Klarna app.
Contact History: Compile any direct messages exchanged with your host regarding support or issues you experienced.
Timeframe for Claims: Be aware of the refund request timeframe as specified in Airbnb's policies and prepare to submit your request promptly.
Booking Details: Note the check-in and check-out dates associated with the booking for accuracy in your request.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Refund?
Payment method
How long it takes*
Credit/Debit Card
5-10 working days
PayPal
3-7 working days
Klarna
3-5 working days
Apple Pay
5-10 working days
Google Pay
5-10 working days
Bank Transfer
7-14 working days
*Working days are Monday to Friday, and don't include public holidays.
What are my Rights? Am I eligible for a Refund from Airbnb
At Airbnb, users have specific rights and circumstances under which they may be eligible for a refund based on the unique services offered in the short-term rental and experience marketplace. Understanding these conditions is essential for managing your bookings and finances effectively.
The following situations related to Airbnb may qualify for refunds:
Cancellation Policy: Airbnb hosts set their cancellation policies, which may impact refund eligibility. Users may qualify for a refund if they cancel their reservation within the timeframe allowed by the host's policy.
Host Cancellations: If a host cancels a booking after it has been confirmed, users might be eligible for a full refund, typically including service fees.
Significant Differences in Property Description: If the rental unit does not match the listing description significantly, such as discrepancies in amenities or conditions, users could qualify for a refund.
Issues During the Stay: If there are problems during the stay, such as unresolvable safety concerns or issues with the property that were not disclosed beforehand, users may be eligible for compensation or a partial refund.
Experiences Not as Described: If an activity booked through Airbnb does not occur as described, with significant discrepancies affecting the experience, users might be able to request a refund.
Account Issues: In cases where there are billing discrepancies or unintended charges, users are encouraged to review their account details and transaction history, as this may clarify eligibility for refunds.
Step-by-Step Process to Request Your Airbnb Refund Like a Pro
If you purchased through Airbnb.com:
Log in to your Airbnb account.
Go to the Account section from the top right menu.
Select Payments & Payouts from the menu options.
Locate the subscription or membership under Your Transactions.
Click on the relevant transaction to view details.
Scroll down to find the Request a Refund button.
Fill out the form and mention that your subscription renewed without notice.
Submit your refund request and monitor your email for updates.
If you purchased through Google Play:
Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
Tap on the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left.
Select Subscriptions.
Find your Airbnb subscription in the list.
Tap Manage and then select Refund.
In the messaging box, emphasize that the subscription was unused.
Submit your request and check for confirmation via email.
If you purchased through Apple:
Open the Settings app.
Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the settings.
Tap Subscriptions.
Locate your Airbnb subscription and tap on it.
Select Cancel Subscription to stop further charges.
Look for the Request a Refund link or option.
Express that the subscription renewal was unexpected in the message.
Submit the request and keep an eye on your email for updates.
If you purchased through Klarna:
Log in to your Klarna account on klarna.hu.
Navigate to My Purchases from the main dashboard.
Find the transaction for your Airbnb membership or subscription.
Click on the transaction to review details.
Select the Request Refund option.
Mention that the service was not utilized effectively.
Submit your refund request and monitor your email for confirmation.
Disclaimer
Chargeback is an independent consumer resource that provides educational information to help users understand how to cancel, manage, or request refunds for various subscriptions. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of the companies mentioned on this site. All trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners.
The information we provide is based on publicly available sources and user reports and may contain inaccuracies or become outdated over time. Our guides are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as official company instructions or legal advice.
Consumers are solely responsible for reviewing their own contracts, terms of service, and refund or cancellation obligations before taking any action. Nothing on this site should be interpreted as legal, financial, or contractual guidance.
Chargeback does not encourage or condone disputing valid charges, misrepresenting transactions, or taking any action that could violate a company's terms, service agreement, or applicable laws. We promote fair, transparent, and lawful communication between consumers and businesses.
I am writing to address a billing situation in relation to my Airbnb account. The details are as follows: [describe reason].
I would like to request a refund in the amount of [Amount].
If applicable, I have attached documentation to support my request.
Please confirm receipt of this request within 3-5 business days.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Phone Number]
Common refund statuses
Status
Meaning
What It Means for You
Pending
Refund request has been received but not yet processed.
Your refund is in queue waiting to be reviewed. Processing times may vary from a few hours to a few days.
Processing
The refund is currently being processed.
The refund amount is being calculated and will be issued shortly. Expect it within 5-7 business days.
Refunded
Your refund has been approved and processed.
The refunded amount is now available on your original payment method. Check your account for the deposit.
Partially Refunded
A portion of your refund request has been approved.
You will receive a part of your paid amount back. Details regarding the remaining amount will be communicated shortly.
Completed
The refund process is fully completed.
Your refund has been fully processed and reflects accurately on your payment method.
Canceled
Your refund request has been canceled.
The refund process has been stopped. No refund will be issued, and you can contact support for further assistance.
Real User Scenarios: When and How Refunds Were Successfully Claimed
Airbnb provides a platform where users can book accommodations, experiences, and travel-related services. Sometimes, users find it necessary to request refunds due to various circumstances. Here are some scenarios where users were able to successfully claim refunds from Airbnb:
A last-minute change of plans: A user had to cancel their booking for a weekend getaway due to a sudden work obligation. They contacted Airbnb within the cancellation policy period, explained their situation, and received a prompt refund of the booking amount.
Unexpected accommodation issues: A guest arrived at their Airbnb rental only to find that essential amenities, such as hot water and heating, were not functioning. Upon reporting these issues to Airbnb's customer support, they were able to receive a partial refund for the inconvenience.
Experience cancellation: After booking a unique culinary experience through Airbnb, a user found out that it was canceled by the host less than 24 hours before the planned time. They reached out to Airbnb, who processed a full refund swiftly for the canceled experience.
Account management concerns: A user mistakenly booked the wrong dates for their stay and realized the error right after booking. By promptly contacting customer support within minutes, they were able to modify their reservation without any extra charges, ensuring a smooth transition to their correct travel dates.
The Easiest Way to Get a Airbnb Refund
If you're frustrated trying to get a refund from Airbnb—or if you didn't even realize you were being charged—Chargeback can help. Chargeback is a personal subscription manager that automatically detects hidden, recurring charges like Netflix, Hulu, and hundreds of others. With one click, we can cancel unwanted subscriptions, flag suspicious billing, and even initiate refund requests on your behalf. No more waiting on hold or navigating confusing help pages. Just connect your bank or card account, and we'll take care of the rest.
How to Track Your Refund Status Efficiently
Tracking your refund status on Airbnb is straightforward, thanks to their dedicated communication channels and user-friendly interface. Here’s how to do it efficiently:
Check Your Inbox: Airbnb will send email updates about your refund status. Look for emails with the subject line "Your refund is on the way" or similar wording to stay informed.
Use the Airbnb Mobile App: If you have the app installed, log in and go to the "Your Trips" section. Select the reservation you need updates on, and check for any in-app notifications regarding your refund.
Visit Your Account Dashboard: Log into your Airbnb account on the website and navigate to "Account Settings." From there, select "Order History" to see detailed updates on your refund status.
Review the Billing Section: Go to the "Billing" section in your account to view all transactions. Your previous payments and the associated refund details will be listed here.
Stay Updated on Refund Progress: Airbnb typically provides details such as the date your refund was initiated and the expected timeframe for it to be processed. Keep an eye out for these updates in your account notifications.
Contact Customer Support: If you have concerns or need more information, you can always reach out to Airbnb's customer service through the app or website. They can provide specific information about your refund status.
FAQ
If you missed the cancellation deadline, obtaining a refund may be challenging, as Airbnb typically adheres to their established cancellation policies. However, it's always worth reaching out to Airbnb's customer support to discuss your situation, as they may be able to offer guidance or solutions based on the specific circumstances.
Refunds from Airbnb typically take 3 to 10 business days to process, depending on your bank or payment method. Once initiated, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details about the refund timeline specific to your payment provider.
If you see a charge but do not have an active subscription, please first check your account for any previous bookings or subscriptions that may have been overlooked. If you still have questions, consider reaching out to Airbnb customer support for assistance in clarifying the charge.
If you're unable to secure a refund directly from Airbnb, you might consider reaching out to their customer service again for further assistance. Additionally, escalating your issue within Airbnb's support system can sometimes lead to a different resolution. Reviewing your booking details and any relevant policies on their site may also provide insights into potential options.
If Airbnb refuses to issue a refund, consider reviewing their refund policy to understand the conditions that apply to your situation. You may also want to contact their support team again for further clarification or assistance. Additionally, double-check your account details to ensure that your request aligns with their guidelines.
Chargeback and the Chargeback trademarks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Chargeback and its affiliates. The use of any other trade name, copyright, or trademark is for identification and reference purposes only and does not imply any association with the copyright or trademark holder of their product or brand. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
¹ Total savings is calculated based on internal annualized estimates of savings for customers. ² Average requests times may vary depending on volume of requests
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