Airbnb is no longer returning money because of Covid. Photo by AP
Reservations made on Airbnb starting May 31 they will no longer be refunded in case of Covid. The next change to the “force majeure” policy will apply to cases where a host or guest has contracted the coronavirus, without the possibility of requesting money back.
The company says the standard host cancellation policy will apply instead. It says that nearly two-thirds of the active offer policies allow guests to cancel up to five days (under the moderate policy) or up to 24 hours before check-in (under the flexible policy).
Bookings made before the end of next month may still qualify for a Covid -related refund if they meet the terms of the Airbnb policy.
“Some in the travel industry stopped this type of policy a few months ago, while others provided nothing, “the company said in a blog post.” After consulting with our medical advisors, as well as our community, we believe now is the right time to take the same step. “
For what it costs, Airbnb will soon start offering travel insurance. The product will be available in the coming months. Until then, the company says, those worried that COVID-19 might interfere with their travel plans can opt for insurance elsewhere.
The onset of the pandemic devastated the travel industry, and Airbnb was not immune to the impact. The company laid off 25 percent of its workers, about 1,900 jobs, in May 2020. Airbnb seems to be hoping to return to normal. He noted that “many countries now have plans in place to live with COVID-19.”
The company incurred losses during the pandemic. Photo by AFP
However, the pandemic is not over. About a third of the world’s population has not received even a single dose of the vaccine. The data shows that, on average, 629,798 cases were recorded worldwide in each of the last 14 days.
For the new policy there are exceptions for domestic reserves in South Korea and mainland China. Airbnb said refunds will still be available there. for certain events associated with Covid for the foreseeable future.
Telecommuting for your employees
On the other hand, the company will allow its employees to live and work almost anywhere in the world, after adopting a telecommuting policy to attract employees and guarantee flexibility.
The company, which is in contact with private property owners for temporary housing and is headquartered in San Francisco, said Thursday afternoon that under the new policy, employees will be able to work from the officehome or while traveling to 170 countries.
Staff will still need to meet in person for regular team meetings and events, CEO Brian Chesky said in a message to employees. Wages will not change if employees decide to move.
Employees can spend up to three months working in each country they visit each year, but will still need a permanent address for tax and salary reasons, which includes “mountains of complexities,” Chesky added, but said the company is working toward an open-source solution.
Source: Clarin
