Would like my money back

[John4972]

We cancelled our week long stay in Athens last June because of covid, the money for  flight tickets, car park, hotel and a stay in a island hotel etc. Were all reimburse with no problems.

But we can't seem to  get our  deposit back of £153 from Airbnb, it does not show as a credit on our account the only reference to it is in the cancelled details, "we will get travel credit next time we book".

Does this mean I can book an Airbnb back in England and use the credit?

Why does it not show as a credit on my account?

Why can't I not just get my money back?

I paid for this apartment in good faith and circumstance beyond my control stopped us using it.

As I have been made redundant my financial circumstances have changed and will not be travelling abroad in the foreseeable future so really need that money back     

[Gordon0]

I suspect you may have booked this trip after the covid clause was removed from Airbnb's (emergency) T&Cs, in which case the credit remains,  @John4972 - and yes, you should be able to use it here in the UK (or anywhere). If you cancelled online you'll have gone through a set of 'flow' screens which will have spelled out what you'd receive in terms of refunds and the like. 

 As to why you can't get it [the cash] back, it'll be down to the booking conditions you signed up to, whether you saw them or not.

Airbnb aren't that easy to get hold of these days, but perhaps try giving them a call.

[John4972]

As you say it is very difficult to get round their site to find this information.

We actually booked the trip in December 2019 a couple of months before Covid was a thing, its annoying as we got our money back on everything else we paid for.

As for who has the money I've no idea, I contacted the host not long after we cancelled and he said contact Airbnb.

All I've got is travel credit next time you book, on the apartment cancelation I was sent which has me wondering if its to rebook the same place.

[Sarah977]

@John4972  You should be able to use a travel credit to book anywhere.

As for why you shouldn't get all your money refunded, the host is not responsible for a guest's personal circumstances beyond their control. When you book a place, you are agreeing to the cancellation policy that is in place for that listing. It's a contract. 

If you buy something at a store that has a 30 day refund policy, you can't just bring the item back 6 months later and expect them to refund you.

So it's really important for the guest to read and understand the terms of the policy before committing to a booking. Guests don't just get a full refund because they aren't able to make the trip.