Check In time reported by guests!?!?!

[Stephan-And-Skye0]

I am a tad confused.  In all of my Airbnb's, I have check-in times stated as 4pm.  However, I continue to get bookings were guests select an earlier time.  How is this happening?  Am I missing something here?

Stephan

[Sarah977]

@Stephan-And-Skye0  Many hosts have been reporting that their check-in time has been scrubbed from their listing. And even when they reset it, it will disappear again. You should check that first.

Then I know that Airbnb sends guests something on their itinerary or somewhere that enables them to request a different check-in time, but it's either written in a way that makes it sound like the guest can choose any time they want, or guests don't understand that it means they can request a different check-in time, meaning clear it with the host. I've never travelled as a guest, so I've never seen that message for myself, but I remember a host posting it here.

[Yadira22]

@Stephan-And-Skye0 I can attest to the remark made by @Sarah977 regarding check in time. Even if your check in time is stated as "from 2pm", the guests can select from any time range outside of this, it is quite misleading. A couple of days before their arrival I send a message asking the guest to confirm their arrival time and remind them of what my listing states. It too late for them, then I recommend local luggage holding establishments etc, or make it abundantly aware they can drop of their luggage only as the space will not be available prior.  Good luck. 

[Anonymous]

@Stephan-And-Skye0 Guests can voluntarily enter their arrival time during the booking process, but this doesn't mean the host is obliged to provide an early check-in. Rather, when you confirm a booking you should initiate the dialogue with the guest about the check-in procedure. If they've requested a time earlier than you can accommodate, it helps to suggest a left-luggage facility, Cafe, or attraction nearby where early arrivers can bide their time comfortably until check-in opens. 

[Mark116]

@Anonymous  Its a terrible policy, because it sets up the huge potential for problems at the time of the booking.  Everyone, including airbnb knows that many guests don't read any of the fine print, or even the most basic info. on a listing.  Letting them check off their preferred arrival time in conflict with the arrival stated on the listing is begging for chaos and confusion.  All left to the host to sort it out.  If the guest wants a check in time outside of the listed timeframe it should be UP TO THE GUEST to reach out to the  host and work things out,  not up to the  host to once again have to do extra work, deal with unhappy guest who have thought by checking their time they were getting it and so on.  Another of the dozens? hundreds? of unforced errors coming from airbnb.  

[Cathie19]

Hi @Stephan-And-Skye0 , both @Anonymous  & @Sarah977  have provided good information. 

Another back up plan is to continually check your settings and view your listing as a guest: in case there is a glitch in the system.

As part of your Airbnb Message Board communication, always recount arrival day/date and times and checkout date and time. This acts as a documented discussion in your favour.

Besides offering early luggage storage, sometimes the guests need an extra night when they realise the check in time really doesn’t fit, or they are arriving the night before a booked check in.

This gives you another opportunity to also offer a half day rate for extra early check ins, or very late checkouts.

This really creates a much needed discussion, even if hosts have self check in. Take care.