Do you charge extra for early check-in?

[Bhumika]

Hi everyone,

When traveling, it's usually common for guests to encounter unexpected situations or change in plans. Whether it's a delayed flight, transportation issues, or arriving earlier than expected—these circumstances can leave guests needing a bit more flexibility with their check-in times. It can also affect the host's schedule, impacting the preparation or cleaning the listing for next guests.

So I'm curious! Have your guests ever requested an early check-in? How do you accommodate these situations? Do you charge an extra fee for early check-in?

We’d love to hear your insights!

[Megan1403]

If it’s clean and ready we don’t have a problem accommodating at no charge. 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Megan1403 , that’s definitely a very straightforward and guest-friendly policy!

Do you usually find that guests notify you well in advance about their early arrival, or do they tend to request early check-in on the day of check-in?

[Megan1403]

We’re new to hosting. In the 12 reservations we’ve received 1 has asked and it was approx 60 days in advance. The answer was the same- if it’s vacant and clean, no problem. Will discuss closer to check in. 

[Bhumika]

@Megan1403 that's amazing! Looks like the guest was communicative enough to let you know this early 🎉 

On a side note, many congratulations on starting your hosting journey 😍 Since you're new to hosting, how have you found the overall experience so far? Any surprises or things you've learned along the way that you didn’t expect?

[Megan1403]

So far so good. Surprised by how many guests don’t have experienced profiles on air bnb. Surprised by motorized blinds battery dying at 12am and spending the day on a 30’ ladder. Grateful guests have been patient with our learning curve😊

[Debra768]

We do get requests on occasion and will accommodate it the space is ready. We do not charge. We often offer a later checkout if we have time before the next guest arrives.

[Bhumika]

Thanks for sharing @Debra768 ! How do you handle the communication in cases where you're not able to accommodate early check-in? How do your guests react to it?

[Kevin3622]

No, we don't charge extra.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Kevin3622 , thank you for sharing it with us! Do you often receive such early check-in requests from guests though, or is it more on an occasional basis?