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Airbnb vs Vrbo Refund Process
Side-by-side comparison of refund processs, conditions, and refund timelines.·Last updated: 2026-10-12
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
- To qualify for a refund, cancel by 11:59 p.m. (property time zone) on the last day of the refund window.
- Refunds follow the cancellation policy, damage deposit settings and insurance requirements of the listing.
- Hosts may use custom policies with different terms and fees; check the listing's cancellation policy before you book.
- The service fee is refunded only with a 100% refund; booking and service fees are not refunded on partial refunds.
- Damage deposits are held 7 or 14 days after check-out; if an eClaim with Generali is pending, the deposit is held until it is resolved.
- For bookings charged in a different currency, refund amounts may differ due to exchange rates or bank fees.
- California 24-hour rule applies to California properties booked on or after July 1, 2024; exceptions include reservations made within 72 hours of check-in.
- Vrbo decides, at its discretion, when the Extenuating Circumstances Policy applies to large-scale travel disruptions.
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
- Cancel through your Vrbo traveler account, even if the booking isn't eligible for a full refund.
- Any refund is issued automatically according to the listing's cancellation policy.
- If you can't cancel instantly, submit a cancellation request for the host to approve, or contact Vrbo support.
- If you bought trip protection separately, contact your insurer about a refund.
Refund Methods
Airbnb
- Original payment method: 5-15 business days
- Airbnb credit (coupon): applied instantly
Vrbo
- Cancellation refunds are issued automatically according to the listing's cancellation policy
- Vrbo service fee refunded automatically when you get a 100% refund
- Remaining damage deposit refunded automatically after the host's 7- or 14-day claim period
- Required damage protection premiums refunded automatically after a cancellation
- Under the Extenuating Circumstances Policy, guests may get a refund regardless of the listing's policy when Vrbo applies it
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
- Relaxed: 50% refund 7-14 days before check-in; Moderate: 50% refund 14-30 days before check-in; Firm: 50% refund 30-60 days before check-in.
- Hosts can claim all or part of a damage deposit if damage occurs.
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
- If the host cancels, a full refund is required except for house rule violations.
- If you change your stay dates, the cancellation policy adjusts to the new dates.
- Seasonal cancellation policies are set by check-in date and apply to the whole stay.