IS IT TIME TO RE-VISIT THE CANCELLATION POLICY FOR GUESTS

[Shaun69]

Hi fellow hosts,

I have raised this topic because of an experience I have just had with another platform. We are on three platforms and our own website, multiple listings but with very few problems!!!! The following is a time line regarding another platforms booking:

2/5/19 1830 guest books two nights (bank holiday weekend 4 and 5 /5/19) pays in full.

3/5/19 1330 guest requests booking be cancelled and full refund be issued by me not platform. (Medical emergency)

3/5/19 1415 I inform guest that it is not possible for me to do so but if they cancel booking ASAP and i can re-sell lodge I will refund my portion of costs.

3/5/19 1430 until unknown, guest calls platform c/s trying to get out of booking and receive full refund. Platform refuses because they have a clear no refunds within 7 days of check in unless host agree's.

4/5/19 1345 guest arrives at lodge and has made a "miraculous recovery".

The bottom line is I do not feel that the AIRBNB c/s is best suited to dealing with potentially dis-honest guests when it comes to cancelling within 7days of check in. Outside 7 days then feel free because we as hosts have the ability to re-book but to have an agent trying to determine the truth or lie of a potentially dis-honest guest is a recipe for disaster as numerous post in this community point out. AIRBNB have been very good for my company but I feel that it is time to tighten the rules regarding cancellations within 7 days of check in.  Please note that hosts can change their cancellation policy but that is ignored in certain circumstances! Please AIRBNB do not get involved with cancellations within seven days of check in, by all means penalise hosts who try it but have a clear policy of no refunds unless the host agree's for guests.

Regards Shaun

[Ian-And-Anne-Marie0]

Your request and reason for it seem totally logical. I wonder whether Airbnb insist on evidence of extenuating circumstances from guests as much as they would do in the case of a host cancelling in the same circumstances?

Your lack of problems are duly noted and admirable.

[Shaun69]

@Ian-And-Anne-Marie0  I think its luck more than judgement!!!!!!

[Michael3072]

I agree with everything Shaun has said.  My husband and I just started air bob this year. We have noticed many dishonest guest trying to get free stays by complaining to airb nb but we have had more happy guest shower us with how nice our house is and what a nice stay, but then u can get one dishonest guest that can make you be judged by airb nb when they do not even understand the real circumstances.