October 6, 2026 · 5 min read
The Airbnb cancellation policy that saves you (or sinks you): flexible, moderate, limited and firm
Picking the right cancellation policy can be the difference between a secure booking and an unexpected gap in your calendar. Too flexible, and you're exposed to last-minute cancellations; too strict, and you scare off guests who want to book with peace of mind. In this guide, based on a video by Cecia from La Academia de Host, we compare Airbnb's four options and tell you which one we recommend.
Where to change your cancellation policy
- Open your listing on Airbnb.
- Find the Cancellation policy section.
- Next to your current policy, click Edit.
- Choose one of the four options. The info icon on each shows the refund details.
The 4 policies, one by one
Flexible
- Full refund up to 1 day before check-in.
- If the guest cancels less than 1 day before, they're charged one night.
- If they cancel during the stay, they're charged one additional night and refunded the rest.
Moderate
- Full refund if they cancel at least 5 days before check-in.
- If they cancel within 5 days of check-in or during the stay, they're charged one additional night and refunded 50% of the unused nights.
Limited
- Full refund if they cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
- 50% refund if they cancel between 7 and 14 days before.
- Less than 7 days out, the trip is non-refundable.
Firm
- Full refund if they cancel at least 30 days before check-in.
- 50% refund if they cancel between 7 and 30 days before.
- Less than 7 days out, no refund.
Quick comparison
| Policy | Full refund until | Partial refund | No refund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible | 1 day before | During the stay (remaining nights) | — |
| Moderate | 5 days before | 50% of unused nights | — |
| Limited | 14 days before | 50% between 7 and 14 days | Under 7 days |
| Firm | 30 days before | 50% between 7 and 30 days | Under 7 days |
Which one do we recommend?
For most hosts, moderate. It gives you a 5-day window to resell those dates if someone cancels: if another guest wants to book, you get the nights back with no harm done. It also stays attractive to guests, who feel they can book with peace of mind.
When to use limited or firm
Stricter policies are a strategic tool for very high-demand dates: big events, holidays or peak season in your city. A single last-minute cancellation then can cost you thousands, because those nights are hard to resell at a good price on short notice.
One caveat: it only works when demand is truly high. A firm policy in low season or in an oversupplied market will most likely lose you bookings to more flexible listings.
What you should never do: cancel as the host
Your cancellation policy protects your income from guest cancellations, but host cancellations are another story. Every cancellation you make lowers your ranking, can cost you Superhost status and cuts your search visibility. If a problem comes up, look for a solution with the guest first.
Want to check your whole listing, not just your cancellation policy? Audit your Airbnb for free with AI. And if you have questions, book a call with our team.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my policy at any time?
Yes, from your listing settings. Confirmed bookings keep the policy they were made under.
Does a strict policy hurt my visibility?
It can cost you bookings, because many guests filter for or prefer flexible options. Use it selectively, not as a default.
Which is best for a new host?
Moderate. It balances protection and appeal while you build your first reviews.
Calculate your break-even for free
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