Hurricane Milton and upcoming reservations

[Claudia4175]

Hello all!

I'm new to the Airbnb community and would like some feedback on how to handle upcoming reservations when there's inclement weather or a storm like the one coming our way.

How would you handle? Cancel? Give credit to rebook? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Claudia4175 Or you could let them claim on their travel insurance. Airbnb's extenuating circumstances policy does not apply when the weather is expected (as hurricanes are in Florida).

I would certainly ask your guests (if they cancel and request a refund) to claim on their travel insurance and see if they go away!

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Claudia4175 

Great question! We are always generous with our guests. We offer them a full refund, no questions asked. If they want to come up the mountain and experience a high energy winter storm with us, they are welcome. In fire season we let our guests know about air quality, and it is their decision. 

With a hurricane - we'd offer full refund, no questions asked. Not only do they not need to be in danger themselves, but the entire region is already stressed to take care of residents and stranded visitors. Here are similar circumstances in event of fire or earthquake, so it is always on our minds.

Stay safe, and in touch!

[Patricia4826]

Thank you.  Had reservations in Naples this week with property in Zone A (mandatory evacuation area) and hosts will not give a free refund.

[Patricia4826]

My sister also manages properties in Asheville and has given back $40,000.00 on one property for month of October

[Rebecca]

Hi @Patricia4826, 

I'm really sorry to hear about your reservation! We do not have access to the details of your booking here so if you need any more help with it, have you tried contacting customer support? You can reach out to them on this page 

www.airbnb.co.uk/help/contact-us/ , and they will be best placed to look into it for you.

Let us know what happens please! 🙂

Rebecca

[Meaghan66]

Same have a reservation in Orlando and no flights / hurricane conditions host won’t refund. Seems counter intuitive to have people flying in when residents can’t get gas or food?

[Rebecca]

Hi @Claudia4175, 

Welcome to the Community, and congrats on starting your hosting journey!

Did you get a chance to read through the advice @Kitty-and-Creek0 and @Mike-And-Jane0 shared previously?

Let us know how you get on 🌟

Rebecca