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!

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Bhumika 

We rarely get these requests. We do our best to accommodate, whenever possible; however, we cannot accommodate a request for many hours early, and it all depends on the situation. We do not charge for early check in. If we decide to allow it, it is as a courtesy, a gift. 

[Bhumika]

Thanks for sharing your insights @Kitty-and-Creek0. I am sure many hosts would agree with your comment.

Your comment made me really curious though—under what circumstances would you usually allow an early check-in?

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Bhumika 

If it was the arrival day and we were totally ready! 

[Bhumika]

That makes sense @Kitty-and-Creek0 ! I've been reading the comments on this topic, and seems like all our hosts are aligned in their approach during such situations 😉

[Frances3408]

@Bhumika . No charge. But its something I may offer on the morning of check in if we are ready to go.  I have offered it for families with young children needing their afternoon nap a little earlier, and was gratefully accepted.

I figure I am not a hotel so guests aren't paying by the hour to stay. 😉

[Bhumika]

That's such a thoughtful approach @Frances3408 ! I’m sure families, especially the ones with young kids appreciate the flexibility.

Have you found that offering this kind of flexibility helps build better experience for guests or leads to more positive reviews?

[Andrea6232]

Ciao @Bhumika ,

no, I never charge extra for early check-in, if I can accommodate it I offer it to my guests 🤗 same for late check-in

Andrea

[Joelle43]

Hello @Bhumika @Andrea6232 

Exactly the same as Andrea😊 Never charge and always happy to offer it if I don't have a back to back booking.  Even if they don't need it, they always appreciate the gesture.

Joëlle

[Bhumika]

Hi @Joelle43 , it is so exciting to read on this topic—how flexible our hosts are and how they make guests feel valued. As you said, sometimes the gesture itself can leave a lasting impression!

Have you ever had a particularly memorable interaction with a guest because of this kind of thoughtful gesture? 😊

[Bhumika]

Hi @Andrea6232 , you've incorporated such a warm and welcoming check-in policy for your guests, especially being flexible with the late check-ins as well!

Do you find that this flexibility is well appreciated and mentioned by guests in their reviews?

[John-and-Nancy2]

For us, the answer is - "it depends".

It depends if a guest is checking out the same day (tighter turnaround window).

It depends on how much earlier (or later for a late checkout).

It depends on how timely the request is.

We have accommodated both early check ins and late checkouts, rarely charging extra, most times not.

[Bhumika]

Hi @John-and-Nancy2 , I like how your approach is truly balanced—keeping things flexible while considering the turnaround window.

When guests share such requests, do you find they typically ask in advance, or is it more often a last-minute situation?

[John-and-Nancy2]

We've experienced both - requests for an early checkin has come hours to days in advance. Late checkout requests are typically morning of checkout. 🙂

[Frank2163]

Hola soy Frank, soy nuevo en Airbnb si he recibido huéspedes mucho antes del Check - in pero no le cobrado extra por esas situaciones.

[Translation added by Community Manager]

Hi, I'm Frank, I'm new to Airbnb and I've welcomed guests long before check-in, but I don't charge extra for those situations.