How To Check Into And Check Out Of An Airbnb [Traveler's Guide] - TRVLGUIDES [Learn How To Travel] (2024)

Checking into and out of an Airbnb is simple.

Airbnb transformed the travel accommodation industry in many ways, but its check-in and checkout processes are mostly modeled off the hotel industry’s. However, there are important differences to know about if you’re new to Airbnb.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to check into and check out of an Airbnb.

I’ll explain the two ways to check in (host greets you vs. self check-in), when guests receive check-in instructions, what to do if you want to check in early, how checkout works (including early and late checkout), and how to potentially change your check-in or checkout time.

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Table of Contents

• How To Check Into An Airbnb

  • How “Host Greets You” Works

  • How Self Check-In Works

  • When Guests Receive Check-In Instructions

  • When Does Airbnb Give You The Address?

  • Does Airbnb Offer Early Check-In?

• How To Check Out Of An Airbnb

  • How To Check Out Early

  • How To Check Out Late

• How To (Potentially) Change Check-In Or Checkout Time

• Conclusion

• Learn More About Airbnb

• About The Author (Taz Zaidi)

How To Check Into An Airbnb

Airbnb allows its hosts to set their own check-in policy.

While hosts choose check-in and checkout hours, most follow timeframes that have been standardized by the hotel industry (late AM checkout, early PM check-in). As a guest, I’ve never been asked to present a passport/ID when checking into a host’s private property, but I’m usually asked for it when checking into a hotel booking via Airbnb.

To learn how Airbnb verifies each guest’s identity, click here.

There are 2 ways to check into an Airbnb:

1. Host Greets You

2. Self Check-In

How “Host Greets You” Works

If your booking says “Host greets you” under the check-in instructions, your host (or co-host) will meet you at the property for check-in. Your host will usually show you around the place and explain important things to know (like how the key works, how to use the air conditioner, WIFI password, extra towel drawer, etc.) and may offer to chat with you, if you have time.

How You’ll Get Your Keys

When your host greets you at check-in, they’ll personally hand the keys to you. If your room is inside a building or gated community, your host may also demonstrate how to enter the property.

How Self Check-In Works

Airbnb defines self check-in as, “guests can access the listing using a key lockbox, smartlock, keypad, or by getting a key or access from the building staff, such as a doorperson or front desk attendant”.

If you have a self check-in booking, you likely won’t meet your host during your stay (your checkout will likely be automated as well). In my experience, self check-in is more commonly used by experienced hosts in mid to higher-priced, “entire place” rentals (all Plus listings are self check-in).

If you prefer self check-in, select it as one of your search filters.

How You’ll Get Your Keys

With a self check-in booking, you’ll receive your keys by following your host’s instructions. To find your check-in instructions, click your account icon in the upper-right corner on Airbnb.com, then select “Trips” from the drop-down menu.

As you can see on my reservation, the apartment key was left in a smart lock box. My host texted me the lock box password after I told him I’d arrived at the property. Your host could do the same, or include all your entry details (including the password) in this section.

*Vrbo.com is the best alternative to Airbnb for apartment and house rentals. For today’s deals, click here.

When Guests Receive Check-In Instructions

As a guest, there are two places to find your check-in instructions - either on the booking reminder email Airbnb sends prior to check in, or on your reservation within your account. The reservation has your check-in date, when you can check in (hours) and how to get into the property.

When Does Airbnb Give You The Address?

Airbnb provides the property’s address (reveals the exact location) after you’ve booked. You’ll find it on the booking in your account. Some hosts will also send additional details to help you find the property as check-in nears.

You can paste the address into your smartphone map or use Airbnb’s map (which pins past, current and upcoming bookings). Airbnb’s interactive map appears when you select a booking within your account.

Does Airbnb Offer Early Check-In?

You can only check in early if your host allows it.

Airbnb hosts tend to have late AM checkout hours and early PM check-in hours, and use the time in between to clean/prepare the room for the following guest. Unless your room was unoccupied the night before, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to check in multiple hours before your scheduled check-in time - but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Some hosts allow guests to check in early for free, some charge an early check-in fee and some may allow guests to drop their bags off prior to check-in. This all depends on the host’s availability and the property type you booked (many Airbnbs don't have a storage or reception, like hotels do).

For the Airbnb vs. Hotels Comparison Guide, click here.

*For the 5 things you should bring to an Airbnb stay, click here.

How To Check Out Of An Airbnb

Like check-in, your host’s policy determines how you’ll check out.

Many hosts automate their checkout process so it doesn't require the host and guest to meet to hand over the key, but some hosts prefer meeting guests before they leave. If your host requires their presence for your checkout, they should coordinate with you ahead of time (at least by the evening prior).

Hosts who don’t require a meeting will instruct you on where to leave the key. This could be outside the room (like in a key box or with reception) or inside the room (like on the kitchen table or under the doormat). Regardless, the checkout process should be simple and hassle-free.

Remember not to take the key with you! I’ve done that and had to mail it back from another country.

How To Check Out Early From An Airbnb

When checking out early (before 8 am), message your host so they can potentially start cleaning earlier. To learn about proper Airbnb etiquette, read the Airbnb Etiquette Guide.

Airbnb doesn’t have an early check out refund policy for guests checking out multiple days early. For long-term stays (28 days or longer), you can shorten your stay after you’ve checked in - as long as the request is made early enough into your stay. To learn how to change an Airbnb booking, click here.

To understand how cancellations and refunds work on Airbnb, click here.

How To Check Out Late From An Airbnb

You can’t check out late without your host’s permission.

Some hosts allow late checkout at no additional cost, some require guests to pay a late checkout fee and others may not allow late checkout under any circ*mstance (particularly if it would disrupt the cleaning schedule and another guest is checking in that day).

But as with early check-in, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

How To (Potentially) Change Your Check-In Or Checkout Time

Your ability to change your check in or check out time depends on what your host allows. This often depends on room availability (based on the prior or following guest’s schedule) and your host’s cleaning schedule. It’s fine to request a little extra time for the start or end of your stay, but don’t push further if your host say “no”.

Hosts usually have reasons for setting their specific rules and timeframes.

*Vrbo.com is the best alternative to Airbnb for apartment and house rentals. For today’s deals, click here.

Conclusion

Hopefully you found this guide helpful.

While Airbnb transformed the accommodation industry in many ways, its check-in and checkout rules/processes are mostly modeled off the hotel industry’s. Apart from some important things to note, which we covered above, there’s nothing to be anxious about when checking into an Airbnb - even if you’re staying in a stranger’s home.

To learn more about Airbnb, explore our other guides below.

Enjoy your travels!

Learn More About Airbnb

Introduction To Airbnb

• What Is Airbnb? [How It Works, Makes Money, FAQ]

• Is Airbnb Safe, Legit And Trustworthy? [Plus 5 Scams To Avoid]

• 13 Reasons Every Traveler Should Try Airbnb [At Least Once]

Understand Your Options

• Airbnb vs. Hotels Comparison [Atmosphere, Price, Safety, Amenities]

• Airbnb vs. VRBO, HomeAway, FlipKey, TurnKey, OVO [Comparison]

• Short-Term vs. Long-Term Airbnb Rentals [Comparison Guide]

Get Started With Airbnb

• How To Create An Airbnb Account [Or Change Or Delete It]

• How To Book An Airbnb [The Complete Guide]

• How To Pay On Airbnb [Step-By-Step, FAQ]

Know Before You Go

• What To Bring To An Airbnb [Know Before You Go]

• How To Check Into And Check Out Of An Airbnb [Traveler’s Guide]

• Airbnb Etiquette Guide [Know Before You Go]

• Airbnb’s Age Restrictions [Under 18, 25, FAQ]

Specific Types Of Bookings

• How To Find An Airbnb With A Specific Feature [Or Unique Stay]

• How To Find An Airbnb That Allows Pets [Airbnb’s Pet Policy]

• How To Find An Airbnb With A Pool, Hot Tub Or Jacuzzi [Step-By-Step]

• Can You Throw A Party In An Airbnb Rental? [Party Policy Explained]

Cancellations, Refunds And Changes

• How To Change Or Cancel Your Airbnb Booking [Step-By-Step]

• Airbnb’s Cancellation And Refund Policy [Flexible, Moderate, Strict]

Airbnb’s Other Listing Categories

• Airbnb Plus Explained [Airbnb’s Vetted Listings]

• Airbnb Luxe Explained [Airbnb’s Luxury Listings]

Airbnb’s Other Features

• Airbnb Experiences Explained [Plus How To Book, Examples]

• Airbnb Adventures Explained [Plus How To Book, Examples]

Help With Your Account

• How To Contact Airbnb [Phone, Email, Resolutions, Emergencies]

• How To Leave A Review On Airbnb [And Earn A High Rating]

• Airbnb Gift Card Guide [How It Works, Where To Buy One, FAQ]

• The Updated Guide To Airbnb Referral Promo Codes [2022]