Airbnb Ends Covid Refund Policy Citing ‘New Way of Living’ Since Pandemic Started

irbnb guests who cancel their reservation due to coronavirus infection are no longer eligible for a refund.

The short-term rental company announced the move, effective May 31, in a Blog post Friday that explained updates to its policy on “mitigating circumstances”.

Under this policy, guests who contracted the virus were allowed to cancel and receive a refund, and hosts could cancel reservations without penalty.

After May 31, circumstances related to Covid-19 – including contagion of a guest or host – are no longer covered.

Airbnb said in the blog post that the time was right to make the change as a result of a “new way of life” since the pandemic began.

After the policy change, the typical host cancellation policy will apply.

“In light of the heroic efforts of public health authorities and medical advances around the world, nearly two-thirds of the world’s population have received at least one dose of a vaccine against Covid-19,” the company said on its website.

“And many countries have now implemented plans for living with Covid-19 as it becomes part of our world.”

The cancellation policy on the platform varies by host. According to Airbnb, nearly two-thirds of active listings offer “moderate” or “flexible” policies — though none of those options offer refunds for last-minute cancellations.

The company said the more lenient policies allow guests a full refund if they cancel at least five days before check-in – and some require as little as 24 hours’ notice.

Bookings made before May 31 could still be refundable, the blog post said.

Airbnb also pitched its yet-to-be-launched guest travel insurance, which is due “in the coming months.”

“Until this new product is available, guests can purchase travel insurance outside of Airbnb,” the company said.

©Washington Post