Should Your Airbnb Cancellation Policy Change With the Season?
One Host Week recommendation was to use more flexibility in slow periods and firmer cancellation terms during peak demand.
Most hosts choose a cancellation policy once.
Then they forget about it.
One Host Week takeaway challenged that approach.
The recommendation was simple:
More flexible during slower periods. Firmer during peak periods.
Demand Changes the Risk
When demand is weak, removing booking friction can matter.
A more flexible policy may make a hesitant guest more comfortable booking.
Peak season creates a different situation.
If demand is strong and dates are difficult to replace after a late cancellation, firmer terms may make more sense.
We Already Manage Other Settings Seasonally
Hosts routinely change nightly rates.
They adjust minimum stays.
They open and close dates.
Yet many treat cancellation policy as permanent.
It doesn't necessarily have to be.
Demand changes throughout the year.
Your strategy can change with it.
Airbnb optimization specialist, Superhost, and founder of one of the largest Airbnb host communities.
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