Airbnb check-out procedures play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth departure for your guests. While some hosts prefer simplicity, others provide detailed instructions for a tidy exit. This article offers valuable tips to help hosts communicate clear expectations and enhance the overall guest experience.
Setting Your Check-Out Time
As an Airbnb host, you have the flexibility to determine check-out times. While there are no strict standards, it's essential to consider guest convenience. Hosting around-the-clock travelers necessitates reasonable and flexible check-in and check-out times. Many hosts opt for a self-check-in process to accommodate diverse travel schedules.
Being flexible with check-out times, even by up to three hours, can significantly impact guest reservations. Effective communication is key, and hosts have the discretion to decline guest requests if needed.
Pro Tip: Automate responses to check-out requests based on calendar availability, extending the same approach to early check-ins.
Recommended Check-Out Time
To maintain flexibility and convenience, hosts should establish a check-out time that benefits guests while minimizing inconvenience. Cleaning time between guests is crucial, making it essential to set a check-out time that balances both considerations.
Note: If no check-out time is specified in the Airbnb listing, the default check-out time is typically 11:00 am (local time).
Communication Tips for Check-Out
The Airbnb 2023 Summer Release allows hosts to add check-out instructions directly on Airbnb listings, similar to entering standard house rules. Hosts can create instructions from a pre-set list of common tasks, ensuring guests are aware of essential responsibilities:
- Gather used towels
- Dispose of trash
- Turn off appliances
- Lock up
- Return keys
Guests can access these instructions through the Airbnb Trips tab, providing transparency and minimizing surprises.
For effective communication:
1. Send automated reminders to guests, either through the Airbnb app or their inbox, at least a day before check-out.
2. Clearly state check-out expectations and times, fostering compliance.
3. Use friendly and hospitable language in your messages to ensure a positive guest experience.
Automating Check-Out Messages
Consider automating up to 90% of your communication with guests, leveraging scheduling triggers to streamline the process. This includes reminders and responses to various scenarios, enhancing efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Check-Out List: What to Include
Craft comprehensive check-out instructions by including:
1. Clear check-out time information to avoid interference with subsequent reservations.
2. Guidance on where to place used towels and kitchen rags.
3. Instructions for dishwasher use and disposal of disposable utensils.
4. Reminders to turn off lights, thermostat, and AC to conserve energy.
5. Instructions on closing windows securely.
6. Guidance on locking the home and leaving the key in the designated spot.
Pro Tip: Consider upselling late check-out if you have an available night.
Note: Avoid overwhelming guests with extensive cleaning tasks, especially if a cleaning fee is charged. Keep instructions minimal for a hassle-free check-out.
In Conclusion
Tailor your Airbnb check-out instructions to align with your hosting style. Clearly communicate expectations on your listing page and in messages the day before guests depart. Emphasize the importance of check-out compliance, providing reasons for specific requirements. Keep instructions reasonable, and encourage guests to message you after check-out for seamless transition between guests.