Canceling a guest reservation months in advance

[Fabiana310]

Hi everyone, I recently added a monthly discount to my pricing, thinking only to attract a monthly booking for this low season (July - October), huge mistake, as I received a booking for HIGH SEASON (February 2024) for a month, taking advantage of an amazing offer at peak season.  I immediately noticed that i should have checked if there was a way to include a deadline for this discount so that it doesn't run into my high season months - there is no option to block months!  

I confirmed with airbnb that if I were to cancel this reservation I would be penalized.  I texted the guest and told them my error and asked if they could cancel, seeing they would get 100% refund and they have 7 months to find another place, I even offered to help them find a place for her budget.....she declined to cancel.

Unfortunately lesson learnt.  But this is something that airbnb should include in the discount section....it would be nice to be able to block months where you do not want this discount applied to.  

Questions:  Has anyone as a superhost had to cancel a reservation and what was the penalty you incurred?  

[Pat271]

Not actually answering the question (sorry) but thought it might help to let you know that you can set the calendar at one price, and then with a couple of strokes, select all the low-season dates at once and apply a lower price.

[Fabiana310]

Thanks Pat, yes I know i've been on calendar every day, love the new function.  But setting up a monthly rate was great (until today) to attract long term guests.  But not being able to block your high season months from a low discount meant for low season is dumb oversight on airbnb (i think).  I'm loosing my shirt now when this guests checks in Feb.  Thinking maybe worthwhile to get penalized, then to go in the red the month of Feb.  

And wondering if I get penalized (eg. lose my superhost status - would i get it back soon?) ......just sucks!   Thanks for your reply though!!!

[Fred13]

@Fabiana310  You be able to get it back after one year.

This is not an uncommon mistake btw; I know it doesn't sit well, especially the fact the guest felt it was acceptable to insist to stay at a great discount because of an honest mistake. That is what would bother me the most.

[Fabiana310 · Accepted solution]

Thanks everyone for your input, so much appreciated!!!

I spoke to airbnb and was able to cancel the reservation without penalty, and the guest received 100% refund.  

Airbnb advised that you are able to do 3 cancellations without penalty.  

Lesson learnt, I will not be using the monthly discount again!!  

Thanks again fellow hosts!!  

[Dawn241]

You’re stuck with this one unfortunately. 

2 options- shorten your booking window to 3 or 6 months.

raise your prices in high season to accommodate for the monthly discount. 

[Dave-and-Deb0]

I want to clarify that the guest canceling would not be provided a full refund on a long-term reservation as you mentioned that they would.   

Here are the penalties when a host cancels which may persuade you to keep the reservation.

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/990

[LeighAnn2]

I discount my calendar manually. I never use the automated system. You can cancel and insist Airbnb forgive the cancelation as a one time courtesy. Get them to agree in advance. If you noticed this error quickly, then shame on the guest. Shame on Airbnb. I had this happen once when I noticed my error within hours of accepting a booking. Airbnb forgave my cancelation as a one time courtesy. I never did it again. 

[Fabiana310]

Thanks @LeighAnn2 , yes that's what i am doing now (manually).  I was able to cancel that reservation - Airbnb advised me that there are 3 chances to cancel a reservation penalty free.  

This was a lesson learnt and one that I will not make again!!