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How To Check Into And Check Out Of An Airbnb [Traveler’s Guide]
How To Check Into And Out Of An Airbnb
Checking into and out of an Airbnb is simple.
While Airbnb transformed the travel accommodation industry in many ways, its check-in and checkout processes are mostly modeled off the hotel industry’s. However, there are some important differences to know about if you’re new to Airbnb.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to check into and check out of an Airbnb.
I’ll explain the two ways to check in (“host greets you” vs. “self check-in”), when guests receive their check-in instructions, what to do if you want to check in early, how checkout works on Airbnb (including early and late checkout), and how to potentially change your check-in or checkout time.
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Table of Contents
How To Check Into An Airbnb
Airbnb allows hosts to set their own check-in policies.
But while hosts choose their check-in and checkout hours, most still follow the timeframes standardized by the hotel industry (late AM checkout, early PM check-in). Airbnb hosts typically do not ask guests to present a passport/ID when checking into their home, but it’s common if you book a hotel via Airbnb. To learn how Airbnb verifies a guest’s identity, click here.
There are 2 ways to check into an Airbnb:
Host Greets You
Self Check-In
How “Host Greets You” Works
If your booking reads “Host greets you” under your check-in instructions, your host (or co-host) will meet you at the property for check-in. Typically, your host will show you around the place and explain important things to know (how the key works, how to operate the air conditioner, WIFI password, the extra towel drawer, etc.) and may offer to chat if you have time.
How You’ll Receive Your Keys
When your host greets you at check-in, they’ll personally hand the keys over to you. If your room is inside a building or gated community, your host may also demonstrate how to enter the property.
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How Self Check-In Works
Airbnb defines self check-in as, “guests can access the listing using a key lockbox, smartlock, keypad, or by getting a key or access from the building staff, such as a doorperson or front desk attendant”.
For self check-in bookings, you likely won’t meet your host during the stay (checkout is likely automated). In my experience, self check-in is more common with experienced hosts and middle to high-priced, “entire place” rentals (all Plus listings are self check-in). If you prefer self check-in, select it as a search filter.
How You’ll Receive Your Keys
With a self check-in booking, you’ll receive your keys by following your host’s instructions. To find check-in instructions, click your account icon in the upper-right corner, then select “Trips” from the drop-down.
On the Trips page, select your upcoming reservation, then scroll down to the “Checking in & out” section of the reservation to see your check-in instructions.
As you can see on my reservation, the apartment key was left in a “smart lock” box. My host texted me the lock box password after I told him I’d arrived. Your host may do the same, or include all your entry details (including the password) in this section.
*Vrbo.com is the best alternative to Airbnb for apartment and house rentals. For today’s deals, click here.
When Guests Receive Check-In Instructions
As a guest, there are two places to find your check-in instructions - either on your booking reminder email that Airbnb sends you prior to check in, or on your reservation within your account. Your reservation has your check-in date, when you can check in (the exact hour) and how to get into the property.
When Does Airbnb Give You The Address?
Airbnb provides the property’s address (reveals exact location) after you’ve booked. You’ll find this on the booking within your account. As your check-in date nears, some hosts will also send you additional details to help you find the property.
You can paste the address into your smartphone map or use Airbnb’s map (which pins your past, current and upcoming bookings). Airbnb’s interactive map appears when you select a booking in your account.
Does Airbnb Offer Early Check-In?
You can only check in early if your host allows it.
Airbnb hosts tend to have late AM checkout hours and early PM check-in hours, and use time between to clean/prepare the room for the next guest. Unless the room was unoccupied the night prior, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to check in multiple hours prior to the scheduled check-in time - but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Some hosts allow guests to check in early for free, some charge an early check-in fee, and some allow guests to drop their bags off prior to check-in. This all depends on your host’s availability and the type of property you’ve booked (many Airbnbs do not have storage or reception, like most hotels do). To read our Airbnb vs. Hotels Comparison Guide, click here.
*For the 5 things you should bring to an Airbnb stay, click here.
How To Check Out Of An Airbnb
Your host’s policy determines how you’ll check out.
Many hosts automate their checkout process so that it does not require the host and guest to meet to hand over the key. However, some hosts prefer to meet their guest when they check out. If your host requires their presence for checkout, they should coordinate this with you beforehand (at least by the evening prior).
Hosts who don’t require a meeting will instruct you on where to leave the key. This could be outside the room (like in a key box or with reception) or inside (like on the kitchen table or under the doormat). Regardless, the checkout process should be simple and generally hassle-free. Remember to leave the key! I’ve had to mail one back from another country.
How To Check Out Early From An Airbnb
When checking out early (before 8 am), message your host so they can potentially start cleaning earlier. To learn about proper Airbnb etiquette, read the Airbnb Etiquette Guide.
Airbnb does not have an early checkout refund policy for guests checking out multiple days early. For long-term stays (28 days or longer), you can shorten your stay after you’ve checked in - as long as the request is made early enough into your stay. To learn how to change an Airbnb booking, click here. To learn how Airbnb cancellations and refunds work, click here.
How To Check Out Late From An Airbnb
You can’t check out late without the host’s permission. Some hosts allow late checkout at no additional cost, some require guests to pay a late checkout fee, while others may not allow late checkout under any circumstance (particularly if disrupts their cleaning schedule and another guest will be checking in that day). But as with early check-in, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
*To see today’s deals on hotels in any destination, click here.
How To (Potentially) Change Your Check-In Or Checkout Time
Your ability to change the check in or check out time depends on what your host allows. This can depend on room availability (based on the prior or following guest’s schedule) and your host’s cleaning schedule. It’s alright to request a little extra time for the start or end of your stay, but do not push the issue if the host say “no”. Hosts typically have reasons for setting their specific rules and timeframes.
*Vrbo.com is the best alternative to Airbnb for apartment and house rentals. For today’s deals, click here.
Conclusion
Hopefully you found this guide helpful.
While Airbnb has transformed the travel industry in many ways, its check-in and checkout rules/processes are mostly modeled off the hotel industry. Apart from a few important things to note, which we covered in this guide, there’s nothing to be anxious about when checking into an Airbnb - even if you’ll be staying in a stranger’s home. To learn more about Airbnb, explore our other guides below.
Enjoy your travels!
Learn More About Airbnb
Introduction To Airbnb
Understand Your Options
Airbnb vs. Hotels Comparison [Atmosphere, Price, Safety, Amenities]
Airbnb vs. VRBO, HomeAway, FlipKey, TurnKey, OVO [Comparison]
Get Started With Airbnb
Know Before You Go
Specific Types Of Bookings
How To Find An Airbnb With A Specific Feature [Or Unique Stay]
How To Find An Airbnb That Allows Pets [Airbnb’s Pet Policy]
How To Find An Airbnb With A Pool, Hot Tub Or Jacuzzi [Step-By-Step]
Can You Throw A Party In An Airbnb Rental? [Party Policy Explained]
Cancellations, Refunds And Changes
Airbnb’s Other Listing Categories
Airbnb’s Other Features
Help With Your Account
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