Airbnb Guest Criticized for “Selfish” Reaction to Hurricane Helene Disrupting Vacation

An Airbnb guest became “infuriated” when she was concerned about not receiving a refund for her vacation, which was canceled due to Hurricane Helene. This incident has since gone viral on TikTok.

Hurricane Helene hit the southeastern United States, bringing life-threatening flooding from Wednesday, September 25, through Friday, September 27.

While countless individuals lost their homes and vehicles, a TikToker named Chelsea was more apprehensive about the hurricane ruining her mountain vacation at an Airbnb located in an affected region.

As an Airbnb host herself, Chelsea expressed her outrage in a viral video after being initially offered only a partial refund for her $2,500 getaway, which she and her family of six booked before any news of the hurricane emerged. “We booked a mountain vacation not knowing that a Hurricane was gonna come and destroy the little town we were supposed to be going to, and we cannot be refunded,” she stated.

“When a natural disaster, that is out of everybody’s hands, hits, I expect some sort of accommodation… some sort of understanding,” she added.

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Continuing her rant, Chelsea highlighted the unfairness of being “expected” to either proceed with her vacation or accept the partial refund. She argued that natural disasters should automatically result in a full refund since, aside from rescue and aid efforts, booking accommodations in affected areas shouldn’t occur.

Her displeasure also stemmed from the actions of the property management company, Evolve, which she said claimed they needed to contact the Airbnb host for a full refund. Evolve manages short-term rentals for over 30,000 Airbnb hosts.

“To make matters worse, how do we know that the owner doesn’t live in the area and isn’t stranded themselves? How do we know that we’re even gonna hear from the owner?” she questioned.

After her TikTok gained traction, many viewers commented that she sounded “selfish,” revealing disappointment at her prioritizing money amid such tragedy.

“Is she actually being serious? People are dead, towns are completely washed away and she thinks that they are going to prioritize HER MONEY over the people/towns lost or underwater? That’s wild bro,” remarked one user.

“Her loss of money is minuscule compared to the lives lost. Your entitlement is showing,” added another.

In light of the backlash, Chelsea later posted an update to clarify her position. “It’s been brought to my attention that my last post about canceling our mountain vacation has struck a few nerves,” she stated.

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She further explained that the remote realty company [Evolve] managing the Airbnb for the property owner needs to have the authority to cancel all reservations in the surrounding devastated areas.

Additionally, she revealed that, thanks to Airbnb’s activated Major Disruptive Events Policy, she would indeed receive a full refund after all.

According to Airbnb, “In the rare circumstances that large-scale events prevent or legally prohibit completion of a reservation, the Major Disruptive Events Policy (the “Policy”) may apply.”

This policy allows guests to cancel their reservations and receive a refund, travel credit, or other considerations, no matter the reservation’s cancellation policy, while also permitting hosts to cancel without incurring penalties or adverse consequences, though the host’s calendar will be blocked for the dates of the canceled reservation.

As the victims of Hurricane Helene start to rebuild their lives following the devastation, several influencers and local communities have begun donating supplies. Notably, Logan Paul and KSI’s Prime Hydration made a significant supply drop in North Carolina.

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