You might call it a lockdown, a firebreak, or perhaps you’re in a tier of some sort. Either way, COVID-19 travel restrictions currently exist in many parts of the world, causing numerous trips to be cancelled. So, will you be able to get your money back on that accommodation reservation you made? What’s the situation with refunds from Airbnb and Booking.com? Here’s what you need to know.
Refund Policies Based on Booking Dates
If you made your reservation with Airbnb before March 14, you are entitled to a refund. However, if you booked after that date, you may be subject to the host’s cancellation conditions, which can mean losing some of what you’ve already paid.
The travel industry logic is straightforward: if you made a booking after COVID-19 entered our lives, you were aware of the potential for virus-related disruptions. Therefore, it could be argued that new lockdowns or enforced measures were not unforeseen at the time of booking, which significantly impacts refund policies.
Bookings made following the World Health Organization’s declaration of COVID-19 as a Global Pandemic are generally subject to different conditions than those made prior. For Airbnb, the key date is March 14, while for Booking.com, it is April 6. Therefore, if you booked before these dates, you typically have the option of a refund, a credit note (where available), or rescheduling your dates, usually paying the difference if the cost changes. For bookings made after these dates, cancellation policies revert back to the conditions stated at the time of booking.
Impacts of Flexible Booking
Almost everyone is currently navigating an ever-changing series of COVID-19-related restrictions. When these tighten, they often come with limitations on travel. Consequently, the need to change plans at short notice is now a fact of travel life. However, despite the obvious need for flexible booking, not all reservations offer complete flexibility at this time. To understand why flexibility is limited, we must consider the wider impact on both guests and hosts.
Airbnb serves as a marketplace connecting hosts and guests; many hosts rely entirely on this income for their livelihood. Similarly, Booking.com manages the transactions between customers and accommodation providers. Both platforms are faced with the challenge of balancing the needs of hosts and guests. While guests prioritize flexibility, the importance of pricing cannot be overlooked, as the lowest prices often come with stricter booking conditions. Many travelers have opted for these less flexible, lower-cost bookings in recent months, particularly when it seemed like Europe was successfully managing COVID-19, only to now confront rising case numbers impacting their travel plans.
Understanding Airbnb’s Cancellation Policy
Airbnb’s revised extenuating circumstances policy on COVID-19 allows for greater flexibility if a guest or host contracts COVID-19, but it does not offer a lenient refund policy for COVID-19-related circumstances, such as lockdowns, quarantines, or border closures.
Moreover, future changes are unpredictable. Any possible upcoming pandemics would be covered under Airbnb’s new general extenuating circumstances policy, which will apply to all check-ins after January 20, 2021. Although there are several changes from the previous policy, such as excluding flexibility for jury duty or injury-related cancellations, it’s crucial to review these terms before reserving accommodation, especially if your plans may change. Generally, you will be bound by the original cancellation policy set forth by your host.
Advice for Future Travel Planning
If you are unable to take your planned half-term break or if an upcoming trip looks increasingly unlikely, consider reaching out directly to your host. Explain that you would still like to travel at a later date and inquire what options may be available. Switching your booking from this autumn to next summer for many European destinations may come with an increased price, but this could be more advantageous than losing either part or all of your payment. Hosts are, understandably, also trying to navigate the delicate balance between sustaining their livelihoods and offering flexibility to guests who cannot travel now but might wish to in the future. In situations like these, it’s important for all parties to communicate effectively.
The key takeaway for anyone contemplating travel for the upcoming year? Don’t assume that everything will return to normal by summer; hence, you should avoid opting for the cheapest option. Instead, prioritize flexibility, even if it means spending a little extra. Establish a dialogue with your host before confirming reservations, and keep all communications for reference. Lastly, pay close attention to the terms and conditions associated with your booking.
