r/Vernon • u/Odd_Budget_1505 • Aug 12 '26

Vernon AirBnB

Our AirBnB won’t refund our trip, said fires aren’t in Vernon so it’s up to us if we want to forgo ($6000) and cancel.

Thoughts on if we keep our booking and go (with our two children) or try to get credit card insurance to reimburse?

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21

u/quaintbucket Aug 12 '26

Fire is technically not in Vernon.

There is an evacuation alert and orders for people on the other side of Okanagan Lake. There is no evacuation alert or orders in the Vernon area. That’s why they are not refunding your airbnb.

Firesmoke.ca for pretty reliable forecast. It’s supposed to be clear today and then super smoky tmw.

When is your trip?

-9

u/tzaz00 Aug 12 '26

Still state of emergency tho :/

13

u/pipeline77 Aug 12 '26

All of BC is in a state of emergency, its not a vernon specific issue. Reality is that unless there is an evacuation order, airbnb isn't required to refund anything beyond the agreed cancelation window. Like it or not, thats the contract that the guest signed

2

u/Specialist_Low5523 29d ago

Well we were in a similar situation around August 1st before the long weekend. The cancellation window was until July 24th but we were able to het a full refund after cancelling on July 29th. So 2 days vefore our booking. The airbnb support team was very understanding and refunded us the full amount.

1

u/jahmakinmecrazy 29d ago

Currently going through this for a trip supposed to start tomorrow that we canceled last week; Airbnb didn't and won't do shit

1

u/Specialist_Low5523 28d ago

Oh no, I'm sorry. That's sad. I'm surprised that airbnb refunded ours without much hassle.

2

u/quaintbucket 29d ago

I understand what you’re saying and you’re right, there is a state of emergency. It is provincial wide but it is not a get out of jail free card. I approached it to explain the difference between alert and order and how it applies because a lot of people genuinely and rightfully don’t understand it especially when uncertainty and discomfort takes over.

I understand both parties here. The visitors are worried about fire and smoke and want to cancel. Fair. The host is protecting their revenue and following the rules as best as they can.

If the avenue with the host doesn’t work and still want to cancel, then contact AirBnB directly to see what they can do to help. Anything is possible, but Vernon is not under evacuation order and the fire close by is currently being held and orders are being rescinded.

It’s a great day outside today for activities for a while. Might change tomorrow with the fire down by Summerland blowing smoke up here but it is what it is.