While it granted refunds at the very start of the pandemic and then partially reimbursed hosts, since mid-March, the company has taken the stance that guests understand that travel may be disrupted by the pandemic, and has been using pre-pandemic rules that allow hosts to choose from one of three standard cancellation policies. Vrbo said in an email that it does not plan on changing its policies and that “travelers should work directly with the host on an alternative that works for both parties, such as rebooking the trip or a travel credit that can be used at a later date.” Hosts are not required to offer those alternatives. Airbnb said in an email that “Our extenuating circumstances policy is intended to protect guests and hosts from unforeseen circumstances that arise after booking,” and that after the declaration of a global pandemic in March, “Covid-19 and its consequences were no longer unexpected, including the risk of continued or new travel and movement restrictions.” It noted that hosts choose a level of flexibility when they offer their homes for rent and that renters are informed of the policy when they make a reservation. 