Set different cancellation policies for specific check-in days

[Airbnb]

You asked, Airbnb answered! Soon you’ll be able to set different cancellation policies for specific check-in days—like holidays or off-peak seasons. For example, you might offer a more flexible cancellation policy during slower months to help attract guests, while keeping your standard policy during peak season. 

Dynamic cancellation policies will be available to a limited number of home hosts starting in November, with broader availability expected in early 2026. 

Are you planning to vary your cancellation policy? How will you use dynamic cancellation? 

To learn more about the latest Airbnb upgrades to help you manage and grow your business—including video messages and an updated earnings dashboard—visit the Resource Center.

[Debra300]

Yes!  I have been asking for this functionality for several years, and will use it for peak periods, such as the winter season and Carnival.

[Emilie]

And it's finally here @Debra300 😃 Are you planning to set a stricter or more flexible policy during those peak periods?

[Debra300]

@Emilie,

I have not yet thoroughly read the information regarding dynamic cancellations, so I am cautiously enthusiastic about the new function because it may useful for many hosts, but not suit my desired purpose.  If possible, I would like to make certain dates non-refundable regardless of how far in advance the reservation is made.  Currently, Airbnb's non-refundable cancellation policy is applicable only bookings that are made within 60 days of the arrival date.   However, there are certain events that guests want to book very early.  Very recently, I received an inquiry about booking for next year's Carnival, which is scheduled in July 2026.  Had dynamic cancellation been in place, I may have already opened the dates and accepted a booking.

We don't offer a flexible or moderate cancellation policy at our guesthouse because it is located in the Caribbean where most guests must arrive via air or boat, so we have a very limited opportunity to replace a short-notice cancellation. As a result, we have a 90 day advance booking window and a Firm cancellation policy.  

[Gina1796]

Fabulous! This could be a game changer for me 😃 I’m in New Orleans so we not only have a high season,  but specific high weeks for events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest and I’ve had to only open my calendar 3 months out to keep a reign on the cancellation policies. I actually like to keep a less strict policy in high season/for big events because I know a cancellation will likely get rebooked but be able increase the strictness as it gets closer to the event -🤞🏻

[Emilie]

Those sound like really fun events, @Gina1796, I can imagine it gets really busy! Have you found that you often get cancellations around those weeks in the past or is it more out of season?

[Geoff7]

No I have had to go out into next year to set a different cancellation policy - Christmas / New Year for this year is already booked at all my places. So let see how it goes.

[Emilie]

@Geoff7 It's great that you're already fully booked for the holiday season! Is that the period where you think it will be most useful for you to use dynamic cancellation in the future?

[Geoff7]

Totally @Emilie . Only because I use the Flexible / Non-Refundable option at the moment and last year I was caught out with a guest who cancelled a 7 day stay  2 days before Christmas. It was impossible to resell those nights = so for me, that  week for be the period that I would change the cancellation policy for. Rest of the year for me is no issue. If I had a guest for this weekend cancel today, I would still 98% resell those nights before the weekend.

[Emilie]

@Geoff7 That's a very tight cancellation notice! Was that a one-off in your time as a host or a regular concern during those peak times? 

Either way, I can see why it will be useful to be able to adjust your policy for specific periods like that one. 🙂

[Geoff7]

Fortunately - it has only happened once in 13 yrs 

[Joelle43]

I am SOOO pleased that Airbnb have taken into consideration our feedback on the need for different cancellation policies according to season or events happening in town👏

As a result, this will allow me to open up my calendar further in advance now without the fear of getting a last minute cancellation impossible to fulfil during key events in my town as I attract international guests for these events who book months in advance along with their flights.  

Very happy host here😊

[Ed-and-Keith0]

I would definitely leverage the option to put a less strict policy on my listing for the non high season which equals approx. 8 months for my listing.  I believe more people will book knowing they have the cancel option and many won't cancel.

[Jason114]

I'm happy to hear about this update. This feature makes a lot of sense since guest booking behavior can vary so much between peak and off-peak seasons. Having the flexibility to adjust cancellation policies around holidays or high-demand periods should help balance occupancy and protect revenue during busier times. Great move!

[Andy2918]

I see this as a meaningful advantage for the host and I am Sur ethat it will be welcomed the host community. It's good to see ABB playing catch-up with other platforms.

What is still question or me is when will the ability for a host to view the expected revenue from a series of (or a single) selected date(s) in the calendar. It was previously available and now ABBN confirm that it is gone.