Airbnb's new Major Disruptive Events Policy, set to take effect on June 6, 2024, introduces significant changes for hosts regarding reservation cancellations during major events like natural disasters or pandemics.

Airbnb's Major Disruptive Events Policy: What Hosts and Guests Need to Know

Mandatory Cancellations

Hosts are required to cancel affected reservations without penalty and assist guests with refunds or rebookings if Airbnb deems an event as a "Major Disruptive Event." Failure to comply could result in consequences from Airbnb.

Notification Process

Airbnb will notify hosts via email or platform notifications if their reservations are impacted by a Major Disruptive Event. Hosts should ensure their contact information is up-to-date.

Verification Process

Airbnb will rely on authoritative sources like government announcements or news reports to verify a Major Disruptive Event. Hosts may be asked to provide additional documentation in specific cases.

Guest Cancellations Outside Policy

Guests can still cancel reservations for reasons outside the Major Disruptive Events Policy, but these will be subject to the host's standard cancellation policy. Clear communication with guests is encouraged to manage such cancellations.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

Hosts who fail to comply with the Major Disruptive Events Policy by not canceling affected reservations or assisting guests could face consequences from Airbnb, such as penalties or account suspension. The new policy aims to provide a more structured approach to handling major disruptive events, but it also places additional responsibilities on hosts to ensure compliance and maintain open communication with guests during such situations.

FAQ

What are the major disruptive events that can impact a reservation on Airbnb?

According to the new Airbnb Major Disruptive Events Policy, the major events that can impact a reservation on Airbnb and trigger mandatory cancellations by hosts include:

Natural Disasters
Events like hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and other natural calamities that severely disrupt travel and accommodations in affected areas.
Pandemics
Widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases, similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to travel restrictions and lockdowns globally.
Other Large-Scale Emergencies
Major events like civil unrest, terrorist attacks, or other emergencies that pose significant risks to travelers and make it unsafe or impractical to proceed with reservations.

Airbnb will rely on authoritative sources like government announcements and news reports to verify if an event qualifies as a Major Disruptive Event. Hosts will be notified by Airbnb via email or platform notifications if their reservations are impacted, and they will be required to cancel those reservations without penalty while assisting guests with refunds or rebookings.

What are the options for guests if their reservation is impacted by a major disruptive event?

Guests whose reservations are impacted by a covered major disruptive event like a natural disaster or pandemic have the following options:

Cancellation with Refund

Guests can cancel their reservation and receive a full cash refund, depending on the circumstances of the disruptive event.

Rebooking Assistance

Airbnb will assist impacted guests in rebooking their stay at a different listing or for different dates, if available.

Travel Credit

In some cases, Airbnb may provide guests with a travel credit instead of a cash refund to use towards a future stay.

The specific option provided to a guest will depend on the nature and severity of the disruptive event, as well as the guest's individual situation and needs.

Airbnb determines if an event qualifies as a Major Disruptive Event based on authoritative sources like government announcements and news reports.

Guests will be notified by Airbnb if their reservation is impacted, and Airbnb's customer service can guide them through the available options at that time.

It's important to note that events not covered under this policy, such as personal emergencies or transportation disruptions unrelated to the major event, will still be subject to the host's standard cancellation policy.

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