cancelled booking

[Tc0]

Had my first guest coming with a friend but she cancelled last minute stating "medical reasons" ~ she booked only for herself but put in email she meant to write 2 guests. According to rules I dont have to give her a refund as checkin is tomorrow!!! My issue is she said she would pass my number & address to this "friend" who she was bringing but I have no idea who it is because the friend hasnt made the booking through airbnb. I am worried! Please advise

[Ed-and-Hugh0]

Contact Airbnb, and let them know you received essentially a 3rd party booking, and you would like them to cancel it.

[Tc0]

Hey thanks I will ~ what happens with the money? I had it set to strict and I have less than 24hrs notice ~ also turned others away ~ massive nightmare! Whats the best way to contact airbnb is it only via email? Sorry for all the Q

[Marit-Anne0]

@Tc0

You will get your money.  If the potential guest claims illness, he/she will be coverd by their travel insurance.  If they have no insurance, too bad.  Note that this could also be a trick to book a guest that has been banned/excluded or have gotten thumbs down or bad reviews in the past.  I would not accept and I would report like suggested above.

[Tc0]

Apparently shes getting a letter from a surgeon next week as proof of illness so i doubt ill see any money ~ this sucks as its my first time hosting, iv spent days preparing, cleaning, making sure they would have a besutiful stay 😞 regarding your comment about this possibly being a trick, i am stunned! ~ what is happening to the world?

[Robin4]

@Tc0......Hi Tc. Hey don't be too alarmed.....reason 1, Airbnb are really good to deal with, and you will be able to sort out any monetary issues with them...they are very reasonable! Also, they are THE most contactable company I have ever dealt with, just ring 02 8520 3333 and they will sort out any money issues for you.

Reason 2....Striking this so early in your hosting career is just bad luck Tc! you will find an overwhelming number of guests will be lovely people, many of whom you would like to remain as friends. Remember people who use Airbnb (in general) want more than what a hotel has to offer...they want to be hosted.

As you said, you spent days cleaning and getting things just right, so you are obviously going to make a wonderful host....you will do what counts! So, don't be put into a negative mode by this experience, or the 'trick' comment, please don't look to the dark side, there are great days ahead for you!!

I sincerely hope Tc this post is not seen by others as sanctimonious, in-accurate, or self congratulatory!...It is purely offered to try and help you with the question you have raised!.....Rob

[Bobby3]

Good morning - I cancelled a reservation but wish to re-activate the booking as the guest still wants to stay at my place. 

I cannot unblock dates as AIRBNB cancelled booking with no possibility to re-activate.

How can I unblock these dates. thanks Bobby

[Enda0]

@Bobby3 I'm afarid you're out of luck. An Airbnb host should avoid cancelling a booking because there are some unfortunate consequences. One of these is having the dates blocked.

From the Help section:

Cancellations disrupt guests' plans and impact confidence in the Airbnb community. Because of this, we apply the following penalties to host cancellations.

Cancellation fees

More than 7 days before check-in: You'll receive one penalty-free cancellation every 6 months. Then, for every additional cancellation within a 6-month period, you'll be charged $50 per cancellation.

Within 7 days of check-in: Airbnb charges a $100 fee for any reservation canceled within 7 days of check-in.

We'll automatically deduct any applicable cancellation fees from your next payout.

Other penalties

• Automated reviews: An automated review will be posted to your listing's profile indicating that you canceled one of your reservations. These reviews can't be removed, but you can always write a public response to clarify why you needed to cancel.
• Unavailable/blocked calendar: Your calendar will stay blocked and you won't be able to accept another reservation for the same dates of the canceled reservation.
• Loss of eligibility for Superhost status: You won't be eligible to earn Superhost statusfor one year after your most recent cancellation.