Activate the Non-Refundable Policy on Airbnb with Avantio Channel PRO
Offer more competitive prices without compromising your security. With the non-refundable policy, you can give guests the option to book at a lower price, but with much stricter cancellation conditions.
What is the Non-Refundable Policy?
In addition to Airbnb's standard cancellation policies, you can now add a discounted non-refundable option.
The guest will see two prices when booking: the standard rate and the reduced non-refundable rate.
If they cancel, they do not get the rental amount back under any circumstances.
The cleaning fee is refunded as long as the cancellation is made before check-in.
👉 Key Benefit: you can attract more price-sensitive travelers and increase conversion while keeping firm bookings.
Step by Step: Configure the Non-Refundable Policy
Log in to Channel PRO and go to "Configure."
Select the Cancellation Policies section.
Click on the Non-Refundable Policy option and activate it.
Define the % discount you will apply to your standard rate.
Click on Apply and then Save.
You can also configure it by accommodation:
Access "Accommodations."
Select the property and click on the edit pencil.
Activate the non-refundable policy following the same steps.
Important Conditions
It only syncs if you choose full sync type in the listing.
The non-refundable option appears up to 60 days before the check-in date, depending on the standard policy you have selected:
Flexible: between 1 and 60 days.
Moderate: between 5 and 60 days.
Semi-strict or strict: between 14 and 60 days.
It is not compatible with super strict policies (30/60 days).
It cannot be applied to Airbnb Luxe accommodations or properties in Italy.
Long-term Rental Policies (28 nights or more)
Airbnb automatically applies a special policy, but from Avantio you can choose between:
Strict: refund only within 48 hours after booking and with 28 days' notice. After that period, you charge the total stay + 30 additional nights.
Semi-strict: refund if they cancel with at least 30 days' notice. After that, you charge the total stay + 30 additional nights.
These policies can also be customized by accommodation.
Best Practices
Define an attractive but sustainable discount: typically between 5% and 15%.
Inform the guest clearly: use the description or welcome message to emphasize that the rate is non-refundable.
Start with a few accommodations: measure conversion before applying it to your entire portfolio.
Common Mistakes
Activating the policy without having configured full synchronization.
Forgetting to save changes after defining the discount.
Applying the option to non-compatible accommodations (Airbnb Luxe or Italy).
Quick Checklist
I have activated the "non-refundable" option in the cancellations section.
I have defined the appropriate % discount.
I have verified that my listing has full synchronization.
I have checked that my accommodation is not in Italy nor is it Airbnb Luxe.
I have clearly communicated the conditions to the guests.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply different discounts per accommodation?
Yes, you can configure it at the account level or individually by accommodation.
Is the non-refundable discount applied automatically?
Yes, once you configure it in Channel PRO, it is calculated automatically.
When does the non-refundable option disappear from the booking?
It depends on the active standard policy, but it always disappears 60 days before check-in at the latest.
Can I combine the non-refundable policy with long-term rental policies?
Yes, each applies in its context: short or long stays.
Is any amount refunded if the guest cancels?
The accommodation price is not refunded, but the cleaning fee is if they cancel before check-in.
✅ In summary: the non-refundable policy in Avantio is a tool to attract more bookings at a lower price, ensuring income without the risk of cancellations. Configure it strategically and use it to enhance your competitiveness on Airbnb.