(TAN): The travel industry continues to be disrupted by control measures, affecting millions of Airbnb hosts and guests around the world. On its last update on March 30, 2020, Airbnb announced that the Extenuating Circumstances policy would apply to reservations booked on or before March 14, 2020 for check-ins through May 31, 2020.
The homesharing platform has announced that the Extenuating Circumstances policy will also apply to reservations booked on or before March 14, 2020 with check-ins between June 1, 2020 and June 15, 2020. This policy allows eligible hosts and guests to cancel without charge or penalties. Airbnb will continue to monitor the situation and review official guidance from governments and public health organizations, and will communicate updates as needed.
[ALSO READ: Emirates to operate limited passenger flights in May]
During this time of uncertainty, hosts and guests are encouraged to maintain dialogue, address any concerns in advance, and consider rescheduling or modifying reservations when possible to avoid cancellations. Airbnb also recommends the community check their normal applicable cancellation policy, which is set by the host and agreed upon at the moment of booking. The majority of Airbnb listings have flexible or moderate cancellation policies, both of which allow for full refunds of the nightly rate for cancellations made at least 5 days prior to check-in, regardless of the circumstances.
Airbnb does not keep a fee for reservations cancelled under its Extenuating Circumstances policy or that are covered by the More Flexible Reservations Program.
Under the Extenuating Circumstances policy, eligible guests may receive a travel credit or a cash refund, including all fees, and will be required to attest or provide supporting documentation regarding their inability to travel because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This documentation may be a travel restriction or shelter in place order, a transportation cancellation, a medical recommendation or other similar documentation. Guests should log into their account and choose “Trips” to check their cancellation options.
[ALSO READ: Thailand receives over 76% less foreign tourists in March, tourist spending crashes]
Hosts who are unable to accommodate existing reservations booked before March 15, 2020, have up to May 15, 2020 to cancel without charges, calendar block or impacts to their Superhost status. Hosts who would have normally received a payout for a guest cancellation for stays booked before March 15, 2020, with a check-in between March 14, 2020 and May 31, 2020, may be eligible for a support payment from Airbnb’s USD 250M program. This program will not provide support payments for cancelled stays with check-ins beyond May 31, 2020.
The latest information about Extenuating Circumstances policy can be found in Help Center page on Airbnb website. More information and resources about COVID-19 for hosts and guests are available on airbnb.com/covid19.
Related posts:
Hyatt announces updated cancellation policy, extended travel flexibility and care
Airbnb hosts to help provide housing to 100,000 COVID-19 responders
Airbnb hosts are playing critical role in providing longer term local stays
Airbnb Online Experiences help to generate income for hosts during difficult time
