When it comes to booking an Airbnb stay, unforeseen circumstances like hurricanes can quickly change travel plans. Natural disasters are beyond anyone's control, and if you find yourself needing to cancel your Airbnb reservation due to a hurricane, you may be wondering "Will I get my money back?" This article will guide you through Airbnb's cancellation policies regarding hurricanes and provide helpful tips on how to protect your booking.
Airbnb’s Extenuating Circumstances Policy
Airbnb has a policy in place called the "Extenuating Circumstances Policy." This policy is designed to protect both hosts and guests in cases where unexpected situations arise, such as natural disasters, that make it impossible to follow through with the booking. Hurricanes typically fall under this category, but the policy only applies in specific situations.
What Is Covered?
Under Airbnb’s Extenuating Circumstances Policy, guests may be eligible for a full refund if:
A natural disaster, such as a hurricane, occurs, and local or national authorities declare a state of emergency.
The government issues an evacuation order in the area where the property is located or in your departure location.
The property becomes uninhabitable due to damage caused by the hurricane.
If any of these situations apply, you may be able to cancel your reservation and receive a full refund, regardless of the host's standard cancellation policy. However, there are certain steps you need to follow to ensure you qualify for a refund.
What Is Not Covered?
Not all weather-related inconveniences qualify for the Extenuating Circumstances Policy. Airbnb may not offer refunds for:
Hurricanes that do not directly impact the area where you are staying or traveling from.
Bad weather that doesn’t cause a declared state of emergency or evacuation order.
Personal decisions to cancel the trip due to fear of bad weather, without official warnings or advisories.
If the hurricane does not meet Airbnb’s criteria for extenuating circumstances, you will likely be subject to the host’s standard cancellation policy, which may or may not provide a refund.
Steps to Take If You Need to Cancel Due to a Hurricane
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having to cancel your Airbnb reservation due to a hurricane, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Check the Extenuating Circumstances Policy: Visit the Airbnb website to see if your situation qualifies for a refund under the Extenuating Circumstances Policy. Look for government-issued evacuation orders or state of emergency declarations in your area or the area where you’re staying.
Contact Your Host: Before canceling, reach out to your host to inform them of the situation. They may be aware of the local conditions and could offer flexibility or guidance on next steps.
Cancel the Reservation: If you meet the criteria for the Extenuating Circumstances Policy, cancel the reservation through the Airbnb platform. When prompted, select "extenuating circumstances" as the reason for cancellation. Make sure to upload any required documentation, such as government-issued evacuation notices.
Follow Up with Airbnb: If necessary, follow up with Airbnb’s customer support team to ensure your refund is processed correctly. Keep copies of all correspondence and any relevant documentation.
Understanding Host Cancellation Policies
In some cases, the hurricane may not meet Airbnb’s extenuating circumstances criteria. When this happens, your refund eligibility will depend on the host's individual cancellation policy, which can vary widely. Here’s a breakdown of the most common cancellation policies on Airbnb:
Flexible Policy:
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before check-in.
Guests can get a full refund for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance.
Moderate Policy:
Free cancellation up to five days before check-in.
If you cancel less than five days in advance, you may receive a 50% refund.
Strict Policy:
Full refund for cancellations made within 48 hours of booking, but only if the cancellation is made at least 14 days before check-in.
If you cancel between 7 and 14 days before check-in, you may get a 50% refund. No refunds are usually offered for cancellations made less than 7 days before check-in.
Check the Cancellation Policy Before Booking
If you're booking a trip during hurricane season or traveling to a region prone to hurricanes, it’s a good idea to choose a listing with a flexible or moderate cancellation policy. This gives you more freedom to cancel without losing your money if a storm threatens your travel plans.
How to Protect Yourself Before Booking
To reduce the risk of losing money if a hurricane disrupts your travel plans, consider the following precautions before booking an Airbnb stay:
Book with Flexible Cancellation Policies: Choose listings with flexible or moderate cancellation policies. This ensures you have more leeway to cancel if bad weather arises.
Buy Travel Insurance: Some travel insurance policies cover cancellations due to hurricanes or other natural disasters. Be sure to read the fine print, as not all policies include this coverage. Look for "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) coverage for maximum flexibility.
Monitor Weather Alerts: If you're traveling during hurricane season, stay informed by signing up for weather alerts. This can help you make timely decisions about whether to cancel your trip.
Consider Booking During Off-Peak Seasons: If possible, avoid traveling to hurricane-prone areas during peak hurricane season (typically June to November in the Atlantic). Traveling during off-peak times reduces the chances of being impacted by a storm.
What to Do If You Don’t Qualify for a Refund
If you don’t qualify for a refund under Airbnb’s Extenuating Circumstances Policy or the host’s cancellation policy, there are still a few options to explore:
Negotiate with Your Host: Sometimes hosts may offer a partial refund or allow you to reschedule your stay, even if their official policy doesn’t require it. It never hurts to ask.
Claim Travel Insurance: If you purchased travel insurance that covers natural disasters, contact your provider to file a claim. Make sure to provide all necessary documentation, including your Airbnb cancellation details and any weather-related warnings.
Final Thoughts
Canceling an Airbnb due to a hurricane can be stressful, but knowing Airbnb’s policies and protecting your travel investment makes it easier. If a hurricane directly affects your plans and there’s a government-issued evacuation or state of emergency, you’ll likely qualify for a refund under Airbnb’s Extenuating Circumstances Policy. To avoid losing money, choose flexible cancellation options and consider travel insurance, especially during hurricane season. By taking these steps, you can plan your trip with peace of mind, even in uncertain weather conditions.
