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!

[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]

@Bhumika 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.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Frank2163 , Congratulations on starting your hosting journey and I hope you're enjoying welcoming guests to your listing!

It’s so nice to hear that you’ve been so accommodating to your guests. How has your experience been so far with early check-ins? Have you faced any particular challenges during such situations?

[Google translation]

Hola, @Frank2163. ¡Felicitaciones por comenzar tu aventura como anfitrión y espero que disfrutes de recibir huéspedes en tu alojamiento!

Es muy agradable saber que has sido tan complaciente con tus huéspedes. ¿Cómo ha sido tu experiencia hasta ahora con los check-ins tempranos? ¿Has enfrentado algún desafío particular durante tales situaciones?

[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? 

[Kevin3622]

I estimate that approximately 33% of guests inquire about early check-in. I permit it if the condo is vacant. However, if cleaning is required, early check-in isn't possible. Nonetheless, since our condo is located within a beach resort, guests are welcome to arrive early and take advantage of the resort amenities, although they cannot access the apartment ahead of time.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Kevin3622 , That sounds like a great approach! It’s nice that you allow guests to enjoy the resort amenities while they wait.

How do you manage the communication when denying guests an early check-in? Do they have a supportive reaction?