Door entry code, specific per stay

[Emma-And-Martin0]

Dear all, hope someone can help with a suggestion.

We have installed a new lock on our door,  the lock is completely managed by a key code. That means that every guest will have a code, specific to their stay and only valid for the days of the stay. So, when we get a booking, we go ahead and create a code in the application managing the lock for each guest. So far so good. 

We are wondering how to communicate the actual code to each guest. The advice of the company that installed the lock is to only share the code 24-48hrs before arrival. We are looking into the scheduled messages how to add a field that is specific per guest, but can not find it. Ideally for each guest, we could create a code inside airBnB and include that as a templated field. But we are not able to find it.

Are there any other hosts with similar locking mechanisms and would you please share your advice on how you manage this?

Kind regards 🙂 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Emma-And-Martin0 The lock company advice seems odd to me. If each code is unique and presumably only works the lock during the guests specific stay then sharing it early should be fine. Am I missing something?

[Emma-And-Martin0]

Hi @Mike-And-Jane0 

Indeed the code is specific per stay, but there is come caution against sharing a code long in advance. This is not something that experts recommend, even if it is within the platform of airBnB.

Kind regards

Emma and Martin

[Joelle43]

Hello @Emma-And-Martin0 

I don't use a door code as I am a meet and greet host but nevertheless I noticed that in the reservation details of a recent guest, I could see "suggested door code" appear using the last four digits of my guest phone number which could potentially lead to a security breach if someone else knows that number (eg delivery personnel).

I may be overthinking this but in your particular case, where a host uses an outside code provider,  guests could potentially receive two door codes - Airbnb's one and then the one that they get from your provider?  

This could cause confusion and would be a real issue for hosts if this was the case. That 4 digit number is already showing on my side as the suggested door code.  When do guests see that code?  What if  Hosts forget to alter the  Airbnb's suggested code?  Some may not even know that Airbnb use this system and guests could receive two codes in that case?  Presumably, you are informed of the auto generated code used by the manufacturer per guest?

And yes, you're absolutely right about not sharing door codes too long in advance as guests could potentially check-in early if they see that the host calendar is showing as unreserved.  

In the Airbnb help link #3734, I found this:

Removing the guest phone number shortcut in quick replies

The guest phone number shortcut in quick replies is no longer available to protect the guest's real phone number. Existing quick replies using these codes will no longer be sent, and templates must be updated; temporary numbers are not substituted for quick replies. Refer to Create and send quick replies to guests for alternative quick reply options.

[Joelle43]

Hello @Emma-And-Martin0 

Take a look at this post on the subject:

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Host-circle/Airbnb-Suggestioning-my-Security-Door-Locks-Number/t...

[Emma-And-Martin0]

Hello @Joelle43 ,

Thanks for these, very useful to read and note. As a side, we do not create the codes, the lock manufacturer delivers an environment in which they pre-programmed thousands of codes. When we generate one, the software assigns one of the codes to the programmed one.

It seems like our options are to send an SMS to each guest or manually edit a message a couple days before arrival. It would be better if there is another solution like guest door code that we can enter per guest and import that in the scheduled messages. That way we share the code timely but also fairly efficient.

Kind regards

Emma and Martin

[Shelley159]

Hi @Emma-And-Martin0 

Hosts in the US and Canada can integrate certain locks with their Airbnb listings. The codes are then automatically sent to guests. If this is what you were looking for, the problem is that it's not available in your region.

Connect a smart lock to Airbnb for smoother check-ins - Resource Center - Airbnb

[Frances3408]

@Emma-And-Martin0 . You dont mention what lock brand you picked. Does it have an app?

I wanted my check ins to be independent of Airbnb so I picked Schlage (who have their own app, now integrated with Airbnb if you want but I dont). I can set my code by date and times, frequency etc (down to the minute so sending early isnt a problem) and SMS client direct. This also means I can time when I send it and easily modify during stay (great for last minute late check outs). My preference is to send code first thing in the morning of check in. It comes with some simple lock instructions.

The most important thing is whatever you decide make sure you explain how its going to work in your check in instructions and refer the guests to it, well in advance.