Canceling a reservation - will dates be blocked or not ?

Jerko2
Level 2
Split, HR

Canceling a reservation - will dates be blocked or not ?

Hi,

 

I have a question.

Never had to cancel a reservation before, but unfortunately now I'm in a position I need to.

I talked to my guest and he refuses to cancel it on his part.

 

He booked on Jan 2, 2018, for the period of Jul 4 - Jul 9, 2018.

 

I had Instant booking enabled.

 

In here, it says I can cancel penalty-free: https://www.airbnb.com/host/instant-book

But when I try to cancel, the system warns me of several penalties, like losing Superhost status and most importantly, having those dates blocked.

 

Now, which of these two outcomes is true ?

 

If I cancel him now, do I get my dates blocked or not?

 

Thanks.

9 Replies 9
Alexandra316
Level 10
Lincoln, Canada

@Jerko2 you have to cancel through Airbnb to avoid cancelation penalties. Call them, contact them through the help center, or contact them on Twitter @Airbnbhelp (my preferred method). 

@Jerko2, why do you need to cancel?

 

For penalty free cancellations, you need to contact AirBnB support directly if you want to make sure you can cancel without penalty. Let them know the reason and they will tell you how it will work.

 

Do *not* just push the cancel button.

 

Jerko2
Level 2
Split, HR

Thanks, I won't be just pushing the cancel button.

Tried to navigate through Help center, but can't seem to get the actual contact form / email ?

@Jerko2 at the bottom right of the help page there should be a "Contact us" button.

That should allow you to reach the page with the phone / message option.

 

Fred13
Level 10
Placencia, Belize

Aye, if you push that button, expect a hassle not to be penalized, that much is a certainty.

Put a tape on your computer screen over that 'Cancel' button till there is no choice in the matter. 😉

@Fred13, now I am imagining a host moving the tape over the "Cancel" button up and down as the screen scrolls...

 

Hahaha. Yes and do not scroll down or up or will need to move the tape.

Jerko2
Level 2
Split, HR

🙂

I contacted them via Twitter and got a response within 2 minutes "not to do anything until their specialist takes a look at my case".

 

Thanks all.

Linda108
Level 10
La Quinta, CA

Whoever has the need for a cancellation, @Jerko2, should initiate the cancellation.  However, as a host, never do it without involving Air BNB FIRST.  Even though you are a Super Host because you have had great guests and have been a great host, things come up that you were not prepared for, so Air BNB can be on your side.  The caveat is that your reason for cancellation must be because it benefits the guest. Otherwise, full host penalties will apply.  Here is a guide for contacting Air BNB.  I would recommend you have a conversation with a rep.

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help/Contact-Airbnb-A-Community-Help-Guide/m-p/16165#M728