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Airbnb vs Vrbo Refund Process
Side-by-side comparison of refund processs, conditions, and refund timelines.·Last updated: 2026-03-19
Refund Conditions
Airbnb
- Cancellation within the host's cancellation policy window
- Host cancels the reservation (full refund)
- Listing is significantly different from description (AirCover for Guests)
- Major issues upon check-in (unsafe, unclean, missing amenities)
- Extenuating circumstances (death, serious illness, natural disasters, government restrictions)
Vrbo
- Refund eligibility depends on cancellation policy, damage deposit settings, and insurance requirements.
- Service fees are refunded only if the guest receives a 100% payment refund.
- Damage deposits are held for 7 or 14 days post-checkout; claims for damage must be made within this period.
- Damage deposits are held if an eClaim with Generali is pending until resolved.
- Refunds for multi-currency bookings may differ due to exchange rates or bank fees.
- Extenuating Circumstances Policy applies during broad-scale travel disruptions preventing travel.
- For California properties, a full refund applies if cancelled within 24 hours of booking.
- Travelers are responsible for coordinating flight refunds with airlines under extenuating circumstances.
- Property managers must have documentation for traveler violation or non-payment when canceling.
Refund Steps
Airbnb
- Go to Trips on Airbnb.com or the app
- Select the reservation
- Click 'Cancel Reservation' or 'Get Help'
- Review the refund amount based on the host's cancellation policy
- For issues at check-in: report within 72 hours for AirCover protection
- Provide photos and documentation for any claims
- Airbnb mediates between guest and host if needed via the Resolution Center
Vrbo
- Guests cancel bookings via their Vrbo traveler account.
- Property managers cancel reservations in their software.
- For non-payment cancellations, property managers must also submit a cancellation waiver.
- For eligible California guest cancellation requests, property managers must confirm as soon as possible.
- Review property-specific cancellation policies and seasonal policies in Calendar settings.
Refund Methods
Airbnb
- Original payment method: 5-15 business days
- Airbnb credit (coupon): applied instantly
Vrbo
- Automatically issued based on cancellation policy
- Service fees automatically refunded with 100% payment refund
- Remaining damage deposit automatically refunded
- Damage protection premiums automatically refunded after cancellation
- Full refund for un-checked-in bookings under Extenuating Circumstances Policy
- Partial refund for in-progress stays under Extenuating Circumstances Policy
Partial Refunds
Airbnb
- Flexible policy: cancel 24+ hours before check-in for full refund; less than 24 hours: first night non-refundable
- Limited policy (new Oct 2025, replaces Moderate): 14+ days = full refund; 7-14 days = 50%; less than 7 days = no refund
- Firm policy: 30+ days = full refund; 7-30 days = 50%; less than 7 days = no refund
- Strict policy (legacy, grandfathered): full refund only within 48 hours of booking AND 14+ days before check-in; 7-14 days = 50%; less than 7 days = no refund
- Super Strict 30 (invitation-only): 30+ days = 50%; less than 30 days = no refund
- Super Strict 60 (invitation-only): 60+ days = 50%; less than 60 days = no refund
- Mandatory 24-hour grace period (Oct 2025+): all guests who book 7+ days before check-in get 24-hour free cancellation regardless of host policy
- Service fee: fully refunded if cancelled within free cancellation period; not refunded if cancelled outside the window (Italy exception: always refundable before check-in)
- Cleaning fee (booked after April 21, 2025): treated as part of nightly rate, subject to host's cancellation policy outside the free cancellation period
Vrbo
- Property managers can claim part of a damage deposit if damage occurs.
- Partial refunds are required for the uncompleted portion of stays under the Extenuating Circumstances Policy.
Dispute Process
Airbnb
- Resolution Center in the app or website for host disputes
- AirCover for Guests: rebook or refund if listing is materially different — file within 72 hours of discovery
- Extenuating circumstances: requires documentary proof (medical docs, government notices, death certificate) — file within 14 days of cancellation
- Contact Airbnb Support through the Help Center for escalation
Vrbo
- Property managers have 7 or 14 days after check-out to claim all or part of a damage deposit.
- Damage deposits are held if an eClaim with Generali is pending until the claim is resolved.
- Once a final decision on an eClaim is made, managers can refund or withhold funds.
Additional Notes
Airbnb
- Long-term stays (28+ nights): standard long-term cancellation policy applies regardless of host's policy — first month non-refundable if cancelled before start; 30 days notice required after check-in
- Experiences: 24-hour cancellation policy (most) or 72-hour for some; full refund if cancelled 7+ days before start or within 24 hours of purchase
- Experience refunds processed within 10 business days
- Extenuating circumstances policy overrides all other cancellation policies
- Does NOT cover: foreseeable events, personal travel issues, job conflicts, general fear of travel
Vrbo
- Each refund type has its own rules and conditions.
- Trip protection purchased separately requires contacting the insurer for refund eligibility.
- Property manager cancellation and refund processes may vary by software provider and payment processor.
- Failure to refund covered bookings under Extenuating Circumstances may lead to marketplace consequences.