Host lowered the price after my reservation

[May1178]

I am still in the free cancellation period, but I don't really want to cancel and rebook to get the new price. Is it OK for me to message the host to request the something like "advanced refund", i.e. the price difference? Does the host have a way to do it inside the app if he is willing to do it?

Thank you!

[Maia29]

The host doesn’t get paid for your reservation until the next day after your first night. 

As a host, I would probably be a little offended by that request, honestly. 

The host can, however, send their guest money during after after the reservation. 

[Gordon0]

Would you demand a refund if you purchased something in a store only for it to go on sale a week later, @May1178? If the answer is yes, then go ahead and cancel/re-book. But you'll forfeit the booking fee.

If you were happy with the price you paid, what's changed?

NB. It could also be smart pricing at play, so don't assume your days would go down in price. 

[Helen3]

How can the host have lowered the price for the dates you are staying if you have already booked these dates @May1178 . ?That doesn't make sense.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

I agree with @Helen3 . Once the property is booked there will be no availability or pricing showing so no way for the host to change the price let alone the guest see a lower price.

Pricing for different dates could easily be lower (or higher) especially if the host has a similar pricing strategy to me (ie near random!)

[Sarah977]

@May1178  Just because the host lowered prices for other days than the ones you booked doesn't mean you'd get that price if you re-booked. Hosts often have different prices for different days. If a guest tried this on me, I'd decline their 2nd booking.

When you book an airline ticket, you might see that that flight has gone down in price a day or two before the flight, because the airline is trying to fill empty seats. They aren't going to let you cancel the first booking and rebook at the new price.

[Jessica3457]

No but an airline will usually refund the difference if a flight drops in price. Although this rarely happens, I don’t think it hurts to ask. 
I wouldn’t just cancel but I don’t think talking to the property owner would hurt. If that made them upset enough to cancel your reservation, you may not want to stay there anyway. 
Good Luck

[May1178 · Accepted solution]

Thanks everyone, very informative, I will let it be.

[Pat271]

@May1178  One thing you are paying for when you book in advance is the guarantee that the availability of the property you want on the dates you want is locked in. If you wait until closer to check-in, you run the risk that nothing suitable will be available. Most businesses and most dynamic pricing models will adjust the rates in order to provide this guarantee.

Additionally, keep in mind that many hosts (including myself) are sensitive to a guest asking for discounts, or otherwise asking to break policy, because this is often the sign of a finicky, high-maintenance guest. So tread lightly if you do decide to push the envelope. It’s not quite the same as bargaining for a rental car or vendor goods, as ongoing communication with the guest continues after booking, and renting a home is a more personal experience for both guests and hosts.