checking a guest in through the app or website

[Mark3921]

we are just about to welcome our first guests as we are new to Airbnb. Do we need to check the guest in on the app or website to notify Airbnb that they have checked in? and if so does  the guest get a notification too?

[Colleen253 · Accepted solution]

@Mark3921 No, there is no such feature or  requirement. Guests do have the option to notify the host that they’ve checked in, which is nice when you have self check in, but rarely do guests use it, I find. 

[Brian2036]

@Mark3921 

It appears that Airbnb assumes that guests check in and out as scheduled unless someone tells them differently.

You have identified what I see as a weakness in the system.

 I know when guests arrive because I have to show them where the house is.

For hosts with self checkin this could be a problem if they don’t have a door camera.

 I could see a possibility of guests arriving and leaving, then claiming that they were never there, and demanding a refund.

 I have written requests for guests to notify me before they leave, and back this up with verbal notice at checkin, and most are considerate enough to do that. 

I think it would be better if they were required to formally notify through Airbnb of the exact times of both check in and check out for insurance purposes if nothing else.