AirBnB cancellation help needed!

Preface12

The host finally got back saying he doesn't get any money until first day of the stay. So not sure why it's in their hands to release refund 

kellyp

My host declined the request so I raised it with Airbnb. They asked for proof of why I couldn’t travel, and I pointed  them to the FCO advice Against all but essential travel.  The Airbnb response:
“Our policies do not consider valid travel advisories, because the government does not directly forbid you to travel, those are only considered recommendations, you can still travel to those countries.

We can only considered valid government restrictions, who does not allow you to travel, such as travel ban, borders closed, etc, or any other reason that I mentioned on my previous message“

They basically have a get out clause as it’s very rare that the border would be fully closed. Rather annoyed by it all. I’ve cancelled now for a 50% refund under hosts policy and I’m now proceeding with a travel insurance claim as it was booked pre pandemic. Hopefully I’ll get money back through this route. Hope you are able to get some money back. I think it you’re able to provide proof in line with the Airbnb requirements I think they’ll sort it for you but they’ve made the requirements difficult to meet for most people and appear to be helping hosts more than guests! 

[Deleted User]

Sorry to hear that Kellyp but I suppose they are correct in one way.   The accommodation is there and available should you be in Spain say.   There isn't anything stopping you going there from their perspective which is what I think their cancellation policy means e.g. earthquakes, terrorist bombings etc in the place you are going rather than back in the UK?   

The owner of the air bnb is still losing out on perspective income by refunding you 50% so even though it is upsetting for you I think it is probably fair enough from them.   Hopefully, your insurance will cover you.   

Shame about your holiday also.   We are due to go away on Saturday, a staycation, but booked a big farm and anything can happen between now and Saturday.  With local lockdowns, we are not assuming anything,  so you might even find things change between now and 21st August with Spain?     

kellyp

Yeah I see where Airbnb are coming from but I find it wrong that they have a section dedicated to coronavirus and claiming to help customers, but the reality is only a few people can claim.  Hey ho.  Even if advice changed were not going - I’m an nhs worker and can’t take the quarantine risk! Staycation for us too now this year. Hope you have a good trip this weekend!

dejjones

After my flights were cancelled to Spain, I cancelled my Airbnb apartment booking. The process was very confusing with talk of 50% refund,deposit retention, full refund/credit  for COVID 19 extenuating circumstances, etc. Airbnb say my booking was eligible for a full refund but I chose a credit, and my Airbnb account has the full credit in it. I see from other postings here and on other forums/review sites that there are plenty of people in the same situation as me. I shall not be travelling in the foreseeable future, so the credit is of no use to me, but Airbnb claim it is impossible to convert it to a full refund.
So the apartment owner has refunded my money to Airbnb, but they will not pass it to me, extremely convenient and lucrative for
Airbnb.
Is there any way to put pressure on them to do the right thing?

sheramber

Why did you choose a credit rather than refund? 

Thrugelmir

dejjones said:

Is there any way to put pressure on them to do the right thing?

Spread the bad PR.........

[Deleted User]

dejjones said:

After my flights were cancelled to Spain, I cancelled my Airbnb apartment booking. The process was very confusing with talk of 50% refund,deposit retention, full refund/credit  for COVID 19 extenuating circumstances, etc. Airbnb say my booking was eligible for a full refund but I chose a credit, and my Airbnb account has the full credit in it. I see from other postings here and on other forums/review sites that there are plenty of people in the same situation as me. I shall not be travelling in the foreseeable future, so the credit is of no use to me, but Airbnb claim it is impossible to convert it to a full refund.
So the apartment owner has refunded my money to Airbnb, but they will not pass it to me, extremely convenient and lucrative for
Airbnb.
Is there any way to put pressure on them to do the right thing?

I think because you choose a credit refund then that is the end of it from all points of view (bank, insurance etc).   IF you can use this credit anywhere, anyplace then why not use it for a UK break?   Lots of them around and about.  Or maybe you could book for someone else who is wanting to book a cottage and they pay you for it?    I think with Air b n b you can always find something to suit and no, I don't have any connections with Air b n b even if it looks like I am sticking up for them on this thread  .