Airbnb Scam or Legit tenant excuse?

[Will Fraser]

The past 2 guests at my STR have suddenly needed to leave because of a family emergency. Is this known by guests to be the "magic bullet" in asking a host to refund money or am I misreading the tea leaves?

How would you play continual requests for refunds due to "family emergencies" (whether real or fictitious)?

[Jon Crosby]

Here is my general rule of thumb.  If they try and cancel long enough in advance for me to get another booking, I usually accommodated.  If not, then I would offer them the ability to come back in the off season to enjoy their stay at a later time.  Anything beyond that, that is what travel insurance is for and they should have exercised that option if/when available.