UK holidays in August already booked - airbnb - cancel now? Wait?

[magicmallow]

Hi all, I booked an airbnb holiday for August way before the crisis started. I think there's a cancellation deadline I have to meet to get the money back or 50% of the money back. It's for a holiday home. Do you think I should wait it out, or try for a refund? I don't want to become liable for the rest of the money. If I wait it out is there a chance that we would be eligible for money back closer to the time e.g. deposit (if still locked down)? If anyone has any idea as to best course of action it would be great. I want to avoid losing money if poss! But in a way if the holiday is ok to go ahead I would like to take it. It's in a cottage so won't be an issue in terms of social distancing. Many thanks

I think you can stay in a rental now (if you could get there) so if you're allowed to travel in August you will be able to go to your cottage. The owners will be glad of the business I'm sure. At the moment Airbnb are allowing full refunds up to the end of June after that I think they will revert to individual cancellation settings.

Btw I thought Airbnb took the whole amount on booking, and then transfer it to the home owner a day after the guests arrival. Did you only pay half? Why not contact the owner and ask their opinion?

To clarify, at present airbnb are offering FULL refunds including their own fees (17%?) Up til June but after that it will be the owners refund terms but Airbnb will keep their chunk. An owner can always choose to refund, so your host may agree to refund you if you cannot travel even if their normal terms are not like that and they may want to do that to encourage you to keep your booking.

Wait until you know more and can get a proper refund, which won’t be until closer to the date.

I just cancelled our Airbnb for the first May bank holiday. Because restrictions are confirmed to still be in place, they’ve issued a full cash refund (not a travel voucher). It was very easy.

thank you all! Some good advice here :)

I'm changing mine in june to 2021, as I know the wedding I'm attending will now be then..otherwise I'd wait and see. I have a different booking for August I'm hoping we might get to. If I cancel I lose £300