In order to slow down the impact of COVID-19 across the globe, various travel restriction are in place. And these restrictions are sure to have impacted your travel plans, putting them on hold for a while now. One of the major concerns for travellers is their previously made bookings.

For those of you who have booked Airbnbs, there might be some respite. Amidst the coronavirus outbreak situation, Airbnb has updated its Extenuating Circumstances policy. What does it mean for you?

If you had made reservations in an Airbnb before March 14 and that begins any time on or before May 31, you can now cancel the reservation and get a full refund or a travel credit if cannot travel. Guests with reservations booked on or before March 14 will be able to refund or get travel credit equivalent for 100% of what you’ve paid.

In an effort to navigate travel disruptions, the firm has resorted to certain measures. 

Not only travellers but also hosts will benefit from these. Owing to the cancellations, the hosts will be paid 25% of what they would have normally received through their cancellation policy. Apart from that a ‘Superhost Relief Fund’ has been put in place for people who rent out their own homes and need help paying their rent or mortgage. 

In a community based effort, travellers who’ve previously stayed with a host and wish to contribute to them can do so. If you’ve ever stayed at an Airbnb and wish to send financial support to your hosts you can do so by directly sending a note along with a contribution. 

 You can find more details regarding the cancellation policy here.