Can You Check in Early Airbnb (What Guests Should Know)

This article answers the question can you check in early Airbnb.
The short answer is yes, you can often check in early if your host approved it.
Getting an early check-in time depends on what your Airbnb host decides, and what their policy is.
I’ve gotten approved for Airbnb early check-in and had great experiences.
Here is a quick review of the details you need to know.

Inside This Article

Can You Check in Early Airbnb

Bottom line – the decision to allow early check in is up to your host. They may say yes. And sometimes they may charge an early check-in fee.
If you want to check in early to your Airbnb, you must ask your host for early arrival.
You can message your host in the Airbnb app or Airbnb desktop website.
Your host doesn’t have to say yes. Their answer will depend on things like previous guest check out time, their policy, cleaning, and more.
The host may also charge an additional fee to Airbnb guests who want early check in.

Pro Travel Tip: Use this quick guide to write a great message to your host with confidence.

How Early Can I Check Into Airbnb

Early check in to Airbnb depends on your host and their rules.
On your arrival date the host will send you check-in information. These details include the time you can show up at your vacation rental.
Often, it’s not a problem to get a slight adjustment to this time (say, an hour or two). So it doesn’t hurt to ask your host.
Just remember that the airbnb will need to be prepped for the next guest (you), so be courteous and ask for early check in as soon as you know you’ll need it.
If your host hasn’t specified a check-in time, the default check-in time is 3 p.m. local time.

Can Airbnb Charge for Early Check-in

Your host can apply an extra charge for early check in.
But, many hosts do not charge a fee.
If you need extra time at the Airbnb and want to check in early, ask your host as soon as possible by messaging them in the Airbnb platform.
The best thing to do is discuss check-in details before you book, so everyone is on the same page.
You can ask your host about this when you send a booking request.
If this isn’t possible though (life happens), be sure to ask your host as soon as possible so they have time to consider your request or adjust plans.

How to Ask for Early Check in

You can send an early check-in request to your host in the Airbnb platform.
To send a message to your host ahead of your arrival time, use these instructions.
If your host doesn’t have the check-in time listed on their check-in instructions, Airbnb’s standard check in time is 3 p.m.
Your host will send you detailed instructions about checking in ahead of your arrival date.

Pro Travel Tip: Confused by Airbnb’s check in process? Use this step by step guide to check into your Airbnb easily.

Can You Check Out Early Airbnb

Your host will let you know check-out times when they send the check-in instructions.
You can leave your Airbnb any time.
If you want to leave early on the same day as check out, you can do so. It’s good etiquette to let your host know you’ve left.
If you want to move the checkout time to a different day, this may count as changing a reservation. Message your host to discuss details.

Can You Check Out Late Airbnb

You need to ask your host directly about late check-outs. It is best to do this before you book.
It may or may not be possible to get a late checkout.
There are various reasons why a host might turn down a late check out like a cleaning crew on the way, or new guests set to arrive.

How to be Courteous When You Check in Early

Always follow the house rules when staying at an Airbnb.
Its a good idea to leave positive reviews for your host on the Airbnb platform.
Be mindful of time, and leave at the right check-out time so your host can prepare for new guests.
Read any important information in the house rules about check out steps, and follow them.

Pro Travel Tip: Hosts can leave reviews on guests too. You can check your reviews using this quick guide.

Final Thoughts: Can you Check in Early Airbnb

In this article I answer the question – can you check in early Airbnb?
In my experience Airbnb does allow earlier check-in to an airbnb rental, with or without additional costs.
If you’re taking a long journey to your destination and want to arrive early, you’ll find lots of good information about early check-in in this article.
Hosts care about your overall experience and guest satisfaction.
Everywhere I’ve stayed with Airbnb, hosts have put in an extra effort to make everything just right.
So when asking for early check in, I’m sure to ask as early as possible, and be flexible with what the host needs on their end.
One of the best ways to get the most from the Airbnb app is being courteous to your host, and clearly communicating your requests early is a great way to kick things off.