How do you handle guests who request early check-in but don’t confirm later?

[Ethan748]

Hey everyone,  I’ve had a few guests recently who asked for early check-in, so I adjusted my cleaning schedule — but then they didn’t arrive early after all.

It’s not a big issue, but it sometimes messes up the timing for my next guests or cleaning staff.
How do you all manage this situation?
Do you set clear policies, charge extra, or just handle it case by case?

Would love to hear what’s worked best for you! 😊

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Ethan748 we just grin and bear it - The key is not to go overboard in accommodating an early arrival. Then, if we wouldn't want the guest to return, we might point it out in the review we leave for them.

[Ethan748]

Ok, Thanks

[Laurelle3]

 @Ethan748  I have tried to overcome this by communicating with our guests the day before and ask them their approximate time of arrival. I have found most of the time they keep you up to date with the time the day of arrival.

Because they have intentions to arrive at a certain time but I have found that they 'depart later, heavy traffic on road, stopped off on the way being a tourists, or their flight was delayed. 

Yes it is a waiting game sometimes,  as we live on site and meet our guests. Most of the times it is families and we all know nothing goes to plan. I just want them to arrive and settle in easily as it means they will enjoy our listing and have a positive stay.

Sadly, this is the hospitality game we have chosen when we are Airbnb Hosts. It happens and you have to decide what suit your style of Hosting is.

[Susan4860]

What I say is In the pre check in policy is check in 3 pm , however once I hear from  head housekeeper I will contact you . Fingers crossed if it’s earlier than 3,

90% of the time the guest will say thank you but I won’t arrive till ?

I also give suggestions of a place they can visit , or eat. They love it  hope this helps 

[Helen3]

Hi @Ethan748 

This is the second post you've made saying you are a host but your profile shows you don't have any listings attached? 

is this feedback you are asking for from hosts something you are using for your blogger/content business? 

[Zoraia0]

Ótimo ponto! Eu acabo cobrando uma taxa  para o check-in antecipado — não pelo valor em si, mas porque isso me ajuda a organizar a equipe e evitar contratempos com as limpezas. Quando o hóspede entende que há um custo envolvido, ele costuma planejar melhor o horário e tudo flui com mais tranquilidade para ambos. 😊

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[Google Translation added by Community Manager]

Great point! I do charge a fee for early check-in—not for the money itself, but because it helps me organise the team and avoid any issues with the cleaning schedule. When guests understand that there is a cost involved, they tend to plan their arrival time more carefully, and everything usually runs more smoothly for both parties. 😊

[Bhumika]

Thanks for sharing this tip @Zoraia0 🌻 How do your guests usually react to this additional fee? Are they usually receptive ? 

[Zoraia0]

Sim, eles demonstram receptividade quando explico que o calendário precisará ser bloqueado para evitar novas reservas, a fim de atender às solicitações deles.

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[Google Translation added by Community Manager]

Yes, they are receptive when I explain that the calendar will need to be blocked to prevent new bookings in order to accommodate their requests.

Zoraia r

[Bhumika]

That's great to hear @Zoraia0 ! I am glad guests are receptive of this additional charge. 

Host @Will-And-Garrick0 for example, offers 9 AM as a flexible check-in option if the listing is available. Do you have any similar timings @Zoraia0 or you tend to comply with guest's timings?

[Will-And-Garrick0]

Great points @Zoraia0 ! Thank you.

[Tara0]

@Ethan748 I avoid this by not doing same day turnarounds So, my guests can arrive as early as they like, and I also don't have the stress of a tight schedule. Win win. 

[Bhumika]

Not having same day turnarounds might be such a relief @Tara0 ! I was reading @Fred-andQuot-WillandQuot-0 @Peakpulse0 @Zoraia0 's comments above and had the same question , what if there's a tight schedule and the guest requests early check-in on those days. I was wondering how the hosts would deal with such tight deadlines?

Have you noticed any impact on your booking frequency or guest satisfaction since implementing this approach?

[Will-And-Garrick0]

That is an excellent question. Below is our messaging to guests. Basically we only offer it provided our schedule permits, it is not guaranteed. Also, we have a conservative 2 day prep time on our rental. That usually affords us the opportunity.

"Our standard check-in time is 2:00 PM. For guests who’d like to arrive earlier, we offer a morning check-in option starting at 9:00 AM for an additional $50 fee (subject to availability)."

We only recently added this option. We have seen interest, but have not had anyone purchase it yet.

[Bhumika]

Thank you so much for adding these insights @Will-And-Garrick0 ! This kind of proactive messaging may definitely help with guest expectations 💯 Please do share your experience if any guests take up this early check-in offer. 

Is there a specific reason you like to have a two day prep time for your listing? 👀