Covid-19 | No Help if you are host with Flex Cancellation Policy!!

[Ryan357]

My guests cancelled on me due to Covid-19 - perfectale understandable and I even reached out to some who had not remembered to cancel but I know would do so closer to the time most likely.

They were provided a full refund because I operate a flexible cancellation on all my properties.

The reason I operate this policy is because AirBnB advised and prompted me to do this at every turn.

And now due to this I will be penalised and not receive any help from AirBnB where as hosts with Strict cancellation policies receive help??

You are told AirBnB is built on hosts who maintain flex policies as this is a community but the proof is in the pudding.

This is totally unfair.

@Anthony1092 @James207 @Mike-And-Jane0 @Dylan-and-Lizette0 @Juan63 @Maria12494 

[Abe-and-Grace0]

Totally agree, and is very frustrating.
Regarding the $250M to support hosts. This rule is unfair:

'Airbnb will pay 25% of what you would’ve received for a cancellation based on your cancellation policy. For example, if you would normally receive $400 USD through your cancellation policy, we'll pay you 25% of that—or $100 USD.'

AirBnB encouraged more flexible cancellation policies to increase bookings. As a result we have the 14 day cancellation policy. But most of our guests have cancelled in advance of that window. And as a result we are not eligible for this aid. The guests are still cancelling for the same reason (COVID-19), so why does it matter when they cancel? If I knew that was the rule for eligibility, I would just ask the guests to wait until the they were within the 14 day cancellation window. This rule rewards guest that have a strict cancellation policy, and is unfair to the rest of us. Is there any chance this could be revised to be more inclusive?

[Ryan357]

HI Guys,

I really do hope so.

I jumped out of bed when I saw the email this morning about this aid scheme which has been set up.

It seems wholly unfair and in-fact rewards the more unreasonable host rather than what superhosts are meant to be.

All of my guests for March - August have cancelled their reservations.

I do not know if AirBnB actually read these forums.

[Abe-and-Grace0]

@Ryan357 , I'm really surprised this is not a bigger issue for the hosting community. I searched for a while yesterday to see how many hosts had a similar concern, and yours was the only post I found about it. Either hosts are too preoccupied and not looking, or most have the strict cancellation policy, or are many may be resigned to the idea that AirBnB does not really care about being fair in their decision making.

All of our guests for most of March thru June have cancelled before the 14 day window.

Unfortunately, I don't think AirBnB does read this unless it gets enough views or likes. I contacted host support, and they basically said there needs to be enough host support for a rule change to be considered.