Airbnb has announced further actions to support users through the COVID-19 crisis. Guests who have reservations made before March 14 that begins anytime on or before May 31, can cancel the reservation and get a full refund or a travel credit if they are impacted by COVID-19 and can’t travel. The accommodation platform will also pay $250 million to hosts to help cover the cost of COVID-19 cancellations.
$250 million for hosts
When a guest cancels an accommodation reservation due to a COVID-19 related circumstance, with a check-in between March 14 and May 31, Airbnb will pay hosts 25% of what they would normally receive through their cancellation policy. This applies retroactively to all COVID-19 related cancellations during this period. This cost will be covered entirely by Airbnb. These payments will begin to be issued in April. Guests with reservations booked on or before March 14 will still be able to cancel and receive a standard refund or travel credit equivalent for 100% of what they paid.
$10 million Superhost Relief Fund
This is designed for Superhosts who rent out their own home and need help paying their rent or mortgage, plus long-tenured Experience hosts trying to make ends meet. Airbnb employees started this fund with $1 million in donations out of their own pockets and the founders are personally contributing the remaining $9 million. Starting in April, hosts can apply for grants for up to $5,000 that don’t need to be paid back.
Previous guests can send direct financial support
Airbnb has heard from countless guests who are incredibly grateful for the flexibility of Airbnb hosts and are interested in supporting you financially. The company is creating a way for guests to send a note along with a contribution to any of the hosts who they’ve previously stayed with. They expect this to go live in April.
