That doesn't imply it's NOT paid to the guest. That only explains how and when the money moves out of the host's account.

Let's say for argument's sake it does go to the guest. What does $1,000 whenever Airbnb decides to credit your account, help you when you're stranded. I can only assume Airbnb pockets the fee because nowhere in their documentation do they state the guest receives the money, otherwise they would outright state it.

Before digressing, can you just first acknowledge that when I ask "do you know this or are you guessing", the answer is you're guessing?

I mean, it’s a pretty educated guess. The $100 penalty that’s already levied doesn’t go to shafted renters, so why would this larger fee?

Rereading their statement, these are platform fees, of course they go to Airbnb. Not guessing, just reading between the lines.

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/990/host-cancellation-...

It's plain as day, the fees are charged to the host, and thus Airbnb takes the fees.

Getting $1000 to put towards paying for alternative accommodations would be very helpful?

I had this situation come up like twice over here in Europe. In both cases Airbnb offered to assist with an alternative place to stay (one time taken one time declined) and in both cases provided me with credit of about the worth of the original stay

Good to know I could rent on Airbnb and unknowingly 100% of my expense could go straight to the platform, due to a host's previous cancellation on an otherwise unrelated reservation.