Your contract is with Airbnb, not a host, and you paid Airbnb. So, I would venture to say that you can’t pursue the host. The best bet is to pursue Airbnb, and eventually they will relent, as you noted that the evidence is pretty clear. I would withhold the credit card payment first to get their attention.

The forecast states: “A storm system will impact the region on Tuesday. Storms will be capable of producing damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, and heavy rainfall that could lead to localized flash flooding.” Seems very definitive to me, Bill, it states ‘will’ and not may impact. I would presume the Bureau would recommend against travelling during that time also. Only a fool would travel when tornadoes, large hail,and damaging winds were predicted with such certainty.

In any event, the guest said that AirBnB had accepted the weather report and agreed it was unsafe to travel.

It appears AirBnB has made it very difficult for them to be sued but you could proceed against the host as you’d have their name and address in America. I am not familiar with legal process in America but you could initially serve upon the host by mail a Final Demand giving notice of your intent to sue for claim if not settled within 7 days from the date of receipt of the Notice. Your post office may offer an Advice of Receipt service. This will cost you very little and hopefully may be sufficient for the host to refund your money.

Should that not be successful, you may be able to apply to the court for a default summons yourself, solicitors being too expensive to do it on your behalf for a small claim. Courts usually are very helpful too. Alternatively, you may have a Legal Advice Centre or equivalent in your area which offers free legal advice to the public. Searching the web should also turn up information for the correct procedure in your state for small claims actions.

In any event, it is safer in the future to always book holidays and accommodation through a reputable travel agent or directly with a reputable hotel or motel.