AirBnB insisting we spend credit this year

RoryG

Hi everyone
We had booked and paid a week away in Ireland with friends (approx £650) for July 2020.  Due to Covid-19 that holiday wasn't able to happen.  AirBnB didn't give us the money back but credited the account and said that we needed to place a booking by December 2021 for something else to not lose the money but that the actual holiday could be later than December 2021.  We attempted to place that booking this month for a holiday in July 2022 but they are now saying the holiday needs to take place prior to be end of 2021.  My friend has been dealing with AirBnB through the app and has screen shots of the previous conversation (re: booking before december 2021) and in recent conversation AirBnb are agreeing that they are changing what they previously advised but are now refusing to correspond any further and maintain we need to book a holiday that takes place in 2021 (not easy given school holidays and personal situations). 
First time poster, i hope someone can help.
Any advice?

mattyprice4004

Was the originally holiday cancelled, or could you not make it due to restrictions? 
I know it sounds daft - but one is different to the other. If the supplier of accommodation cancelled the booking you were entitled to a refund, but if the restrictions meant you couldn't attend but the property was still available then it's not quite as simple. 

If it's the first, go back to them and point out you were technically due a refund - if it's the second you're likely stuck with their offer. 

Westin

OP has also posted here - 
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6292455/airbnb-insisting-we-spend-credit-this-year#latest