@Christine1
You make fair points, but not all Hosts have the same perspective and neither are in identical circumstances to any other Host. I would certainly like that crystal ball of those guests, otherwise, they're just cancelling because they're uncomfortable with the situation. Extenuating Circumstances do not rely on an uncomfortable feeling they rely on physical facts.
Extenuating Circumstances policy does always exist, and Guests can apply for its application to their cancellation by providing evidence of such relevant circumstances. In doing so, they need to provide evidence that such Extenuating Circumstances did actually exist. Thats pretty hard to do when in the future.
The blanket policy applied by Airbnb takes no National, Regional or Local circumstances into account, so fails to be a workable policy. Hosts, who are aware of the situation on the ground, the circumstances of their guests and their Local, Regional and National restrictions would be far better placed to make a more considered judgement. (i.e. on whether they would be flying in from a foreign country or just travelling internally, or even travelling across town). By the same measure, Guests too would be able to evaluate the situation and would/should have a grown up conversation with the Host in order to arrive at some satisfactory conclusion considering risk, travel, cancellation policy and applicable booking circumstances.
None of that is a requisite of the free 100% cancellation refund.
Essentially, I agree that that the standing EC policy would, despite the current situation be applicable.
We have been dictated to by Airbnb that "Hold on - these are now the rules which apply, apply them..." Those rules have the caveat of specific dates, specific duration and NO specific regional application. In the worst of cases those EC may well fairly apply. In our current situation, the UK , those circumstances would not apply since according to the WHO, Regional government directives need to be taken into account of which, here, there is nothing constitutionally binding. Here, now, having the grown up conversation would be sensible. That has been ridden over rough shot, and we are to adhere to an inappropriate directive where the Host just ultimately loses all.
Airbnb are playing a game. They want to come out of this smelling of roses, with a great customer base, at no cost, with an IPO intact and ready proposition, and they want Hosts to foot that cost adhering to their directive.
Their directive states that external to their specified dates "Normal terms apply". Do let those normal terms apply, they are as you say the existing EC. Let guests who are variant to the directive obtain written evidence to substantiate their cancellation, letters from airports, doctors certificates and the National restrictions which were applicable at their time of cancellation and allow Hosts to dispute those with the same evidence at the time.
Rarely, as in the case of @Helen213 or @Rose123 when they apply 'normal terms' will they get rebuked. Here, and more widespread Airbnb are just playing a game at the Hosts expense and playing 'chicken' with people's livelihoods.
My previous post above where a cancellation is moved from 'cancelled' to 'pending' is part of their game. I believe this is to cater for a future amendment. I believe too that a decision by the guest is binding at that point of execution. (not, I will cancel now then reserve the right to cancel later - just to be sure - and all other facts considered and based on rules in force). For years, they have underestimated their Hosts, believing they are cannon fodder, believe me, there are Hosts around who see right through all their antics, some who will just comply for an easy ride and others who will just ultimately bring them down. This is not an intent, but a reaction. A reaction towards all the sly, underhand, guest centric tricks they have applied over the years, manipulating what are essentially a motivated and high standard Hosting community towards being subservients. Hosts are not standing for it any longer as can be seen, and more are having their eyes opened.
@Christine1
Maybe some hosts might like to pick up extra business with 2week bookings for those who need to self isolate. ; X)
Amongst those travel restrictions, national, regional and local restrictions (which guests might have potentially already cancelled under) How EVER, should that be allowed to happen? Hypocrisy rules! Maybe some hosts might NOT like to accommodate guests who could potentially bring Covid-19 into their homes, infect themselves, their family and their loved ones ? Those decisions should not made by a corporation.
