I closed my bank account. Now Airbnb won’t send me my refund

Refund Woes: A Traveler’s Struggle

Bart Colen, a traveler from Pingree Grove, Illinois, had a reservation on Airbnb for a three-month trip to France, but his host canceled at the last minute. After agreeing to refund him $728, Airbnb refused to send the money to his new bank account because the original account was closed. Bart contacted the Better Business Bureau and even emailed Airbnb multiple times, but got nowhere.

The Reason for the Refund Holdup

Airbnb’s policy is to refund money to the original payment method, which is usually the safest and most convenient option. However, in Bart’s case, the original account was closed, and Airbnb claimed it was his responsibility or his bank’s to resolve the issue.

Escalating the Issue

Christopher Elliott, the Travel Troubleshooter, suggests escalating the issue to a manager at Airbnb. He also lists the names, numbers, and email addresses of Airbnb executives on his consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. Bart did just that, and after a few weeks, he received good news – his refund was processed!

The Fix: Communication is Key

Christopher Elliott emphasizes the importance of clear communication with the company. He suggests keeping track of all interactions and correspondence with the company to avoid any misunderstandings. In Bart’s case, his persistence and determination ultimately led to a resolution.

Avoiding the Problem in the Future

To avoid this problem in the future, travelers should ensure that they account for every refund before closing their bank account. This can be a challenging task, but it’s crucial to prevent any confusion that may arise from a refund being sent to a closed account.

The Verdict: Airbnb Needs to Improve

Airbnb’s refund process needs improvement, especially when dealing with closed accounts. Travelers should be aware of this potential issue and take steps to prevent it. Christopher Elliott’s advice to escalate the issue to a manager and keep track of all correspondence is invaluable in resolving refund disputes.