You have no legal recourse. It would be nice if they'd extend you a credit, but they're apparently unwilling to do this. Going forward, this is one of many reasons why it is often better to pay a bit more for a hotel.

These are extraordinary, once in a lifetime times (hopefully), and everyone should be working together, trying to meet in the middle, be accommodating etc. I don't think granting credit towards future travel is unreasonable given the current crisis. There has never been a ban on travel between the US and Europe. Who knows what is next.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I have friends with non-refundable stays booked for all over Europe: two separate for Spain, one in Italy, several in Austria, France, Switzerland... Every single owner has been understanding and has refunded, despite the non-refundable policy. We are set to lose $6,000, and the condo has been empty all month except our week, per AirBnB. And I am not asking for my money back! Asking for credit to be used for a future stay.

Think of it from their perspective. They need your money to pay their bills.

I think many of us are out money.

I think it's unfair to collect money for a service you are not going to provide, and reputable businesses always try to work with the customers. Hotels, airlines, Disney, European VRBO owners: everyone is refunding money back this week, or at the very least issuing credit. If I am sick and have to cancel my fitness class, they waive the late cancelation fee. If you get stuck with no childcare or work travel and cannot make it to your doctor or dentist - they'll waive the late cancel or no show fee, at least the first time.
What happens if we go to Colorado and get quarantined there? Would they let us stay for a long period of time? If not, how can they expect me to risk traveling and getting displaced with young children?

Think about how much money you’ve lost in your retirement accounts, 529s, etc., and the 6K will seem lille nothing.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I have friends with non-refundable stays booked for all over Europe: two separate for Spain, one in Italy, several in Austria, France, Switzerland... Every single owner has been understanding and has refunded, despite the non-refundable policy. We are set to lose $6,000, and the condo has been empty all month except our week, per AirBnB. And I am not asking for my money back! Asking for credit to be used for a future stay.

AirBnB doesn't do credits for future stay. Your money and reservation is strictly with the individual owner.

“It's not clear that travel insurance would cover a situation such as this. Read the fine print. Don't be so smug.”

Actually it is pretty clear. You get the opportunity to read the entire policy in full before you even purchase. And the policies are extremely crystal clear about EXACTLY what they will and will not cover, even down to specifics including exact places, events, dates, companies, airlines, tour companies, illnesses etc. I’ve been buying these policies for years, so I know what I’m talking about.

Like I said, you should’ve read the fine print and you didn’t, and now you’re complaining. I’m not trying to be smug but you do need to place the blame on yourself, where it belongs, and not the insurer.

Anonymous wrote:You can try through your credit card but very unlikely.

Their contract specified non refundable. They held the unit for you. The virus has been in the US for 3 months. They have been more than fair.

Why don't you drive out there?

See if they can extend to the summer? Colorado is great in the summer.

That’s a looong drive. 25+ hours

You could advertise it and see if you can find someone else to rent it. Even if you had to lower the price you wouldn’t be out quite as much

No suggestions here, other than to say it sucks. This is one of the reasons I've significantly curtailed any Airbnb stays (ie only if it's my last option). Their customer service is atrocious, and their policies are not customer friendly. They don't sanction fraudulent listings (only taking action when they've been embarrassed on a national stage - case in point: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/43k7z3/nationwide-fake-host-scam-on-airbnb).

Good luck. and let us know how it goes.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I have friends with non-refundable stays booked for all over Europe: two separate for Spain, one in Italy, several in Austria, France, Switzerland... Every single owner has been understanding and has refunded, despite the non-refundable policy. We are set to lose $6,000, and the condo has been empty all month except our week, per AirBnB. And I am not asking for my money back! Asking for credit to be used for a future stay.

Think of it from their perspective. They need your money to pay their bills.

I think many of us are out money.

Anonymous wrote:And yes, it's likely that either my husband or I or both will lose our job after the dust settles because of the industry we are in. I am not privileged, but I believe in experiences and travel unlike most Americans, who just consume unnecessary stuff: new TVs, cars, iPhones etc. every year.

You lost any sympathy with that smug last sentence. You’re not special because you overspent on a ski house for a week.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I have friends with non-refundable stays booked for all over Europe: two separate for Spain, one in Italy, several in Austria, France, Switzerland... Every single owner has been understanding and has refunded, despite the non-refundable policy. We are set to lose $6,000, and the condo has been empty all month except our week, per AirBnB. And I am not asking for my money back! Asking for credit to be used for a future stay.

Per AirBnB

Most AirBnb hosts list their property on multiple other sites.

One strategy is to not cancel the reservation. Do not cancel, then email requesting confirmation from them that they will have the home available, clean and hygienic, for your arrival. It’s possible it will force their hand to say they may not be able to have it available as they may not be able to get cleaning crews in and feel like if they are actually forced to shut down.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are you booking anything non refundable with elderly seniors in the family and young children? It is very risky
even apart from Corona Virus.

Agreed. You should’ve bought trip insurance. I have a young child, so I buy this for all of our big expensive vacations. Every single one. You should too. I hope you’ve learned from this experience.

It's not clear that travel insurance would cover a situation such as this. Read the fine print. Don't be so smug.

And yes, it's likely that either my husband or I or both will lose our job after the dust settles because of the industry we are in. I am not privileged, but I believe in experiences and travel unlike most Americans, who just consume unnecessary stuff: new TVs, cars, iPhones etc. every year.