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!

[Carola272]

Hello! I have not  thought about that! My feelings are mixed. It can cost me more on air conditioning, but that should be the only extra cost. It could lead to better reviews, though and those are worth a lot!

[Bhumika]

Hi @Carola272 , Thanks for sharing your perspective! Balancing costs with guest satisfaction can indeed be tricky. 

Many of our hosts have shared how they would deal with early check-ins in the comments below. I hope the discussion is helpful for analyzing the pros and cons of early check-ins 🌻

[Greg2406]

@Bhumika 

Depending on the situation, and if we are under a turn-around, we normally let Guests check-in about 2-3 hours early and if we don't have a turn-around on the day of check-out, we usually let our Guests leave 2 hours after check-out time.   

[Bhumika]

That sounds like a clear and thoughtful approach @Greg2406 !

How do you usually communicate these options? Do you share about your flexible approach upfront? Or share only when they request an early check-in/ late checkout?

[Lorina14]

&

@Bhumika 

We have had several requests from parents with kids or others. It has varied to an inquiry before booking, to days before booking to the day of booking. If the space is ready and I don’t have a same day check out, we accommodate and don’t charge. But many times I have had to say we have someone checking out at 11am so we have to clean but are happy to hold your luggage while you explore the area. All guests appreciate the gesture and understand if we do have a same day turnover. It helps to give them some suggestions where to visit to kill some time… the botanical gardens are a favorite or I always recommend the Theo’s Chocolate factory tour if they can get some tickets. I have a lot of ideas in my guidebook to the area for them to choose from.

[Bhumika]

@Lorina14 , I really loved your approach of allowing guests to keep their luggage at the listing even after check-out. It is so thoughtful of you! Have you had a situation where you had to hold their luggage while guests explored the area? 

Keeping an up-to-date guidebook sounds like a great tip!