Possible to close the Aribnb extenuating circumstance loophole?

[Chris Gottshall]

I tried searching for this topic before posting but didn't find anything on this exact topic. 

Until Airbnb stops permitting cancellations for catching COVID as an extenuating circumstance, I'm wondering... Has anyone experimented with trying to stop dealing with last minute covid cancels? I have a strict cancellation policy for a reason - I'm probably not going to be able to fill these nights less than a week out. I'm thinking of adding some language to the automated message at booking that says something to the effect of acknowledging that they waive their right to the extenuating circumstances policy by completing their booking with us. They obviously still have 48 hours to cancel if they are not comfortable with this. I would guess if they challenged my policy to Airbnb they would still favor guest over host in issuing a full refund, but I'm wondering if I can discourage some people who are neither vaccinated nor practicing precautions from having to cancel last minute and dodging our cancellation policy with this loophole by telling them up front that they need to own their own risk of catching it and plan accordingly if they don't want to forfeit their deposit.

Looking for input on if you have tried any tactics to reduce covid cancels that have worked. Thanks all!

[Patricia Taveras]

@Chris Gottshall

Hi Chris. I have always had a flexible cancellation policy (I've been operating since before Covid) because I read somewhere that a flexible policy can make people feel more comfortable booking a place, and therefore boost occupancy rates. The first time someone cancelled my heart sank and I questioned my decision. But I got another booking within an hour. Since then I have maintained flexible cancellation policy. Surprisingly, I did well during the height of the pandemic. Often guests promise to book later dates and they often do. I just checked my stats before this post. I have a 20% cancellation rate and an 81.5% occupancy rate over my last 365 days. I know this wasn't what you were looking for, but it has worked for me. I wish you the best!