Pay less upfront: How does this work with cancellation policies and refunds?

Phil201
Level 1
Toronto, Canada

Pay less upfront: How does this work with cancellation policies and refunds?

Does anybody know if pay less upfront affects what you are entitled to as a refund in accordance with the cancellation policy?

 

For example, if I book a location with a strict location policy (50% refund up till 7 days before trip) and have already paid 50% using the "pay less upfront" option, if I cancel does that mean I'm not entitled to anything back from the deposit? Or would I be able to get 50% back from what was already contributed?

2 Replies 2
Jeff158
Level 10
Caernarfon, United Kingdom

@Phil201 the cancellation policy remains the same, the 50% deposit would not be refundable if you cancel a strict policy.

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/1696/pay-less-upfront-terms

Cor3
Level 10
Langerak, South Holland, Netherlands

Hi @Phil201,

 

It is what it is: Typically (in most cases) what you have paid upfront, will be used to compensate both the host and Airbnb. And you won’t get anything back.

What I really do not understand, is why a large company like Airbnb does not offer cancellation insurance themselves.

Much smaller insurance companies do.

Unless Airbnb is not trusting their own guests enough either.

 

Ps.

The host will usually be compensated, because your reservation blocked their calendar for some time.