Originally Posted by
travelmad478
Sure, you can do whatever you like, and if your actions are purely designed to be vindictive, that’s your prerogative. That said, by waiting you’re also letting Airbnb (not the host) keep your money for an additional 4 months. Which is more valuable to you, attempting to penalize the host for your failure to read/accept the clearly posted cancellation policy, or having the cash back in your hands?
If this were an airline you were dealing with on a nonrefundable ticket you’d bought, would you do the same thing?
Yes, I would wait until the last minute to cancel the ticket if there were no difference in penalty because there could be a weather event that allows for free cancellations/rebookings.
If I wanted to be more aggressive with the owner I guess I can push the issue a little bit by letting him know I plan to cancel at the last possible minute therefore forcing a value decision on his part. Do I give a bigger refund now and give myself longer to get another booking, or do I hold and risk not getting a booking in the last 7 days?
It's not about being vindictive, its about doing what I feel is good for me, the same as what the owner is doing.
I wait, keep my options open, and if circumstances don't change, I cancel
I didn't fail to read/accept the policy, I was fully aware of it, however what must also be accepted is the subsequent behavior that results in a more strict policy.