What should an Airbnb check-in message say?

The basics

A check-in message has one job: get the guest from the curb to the couch without a phone call. Put the steps in the order the guest will follow them, keep each line short and send it close enough to arrival that the guest still has it handy.

When to send it

A common practice is to send check-in details 24 to 48 hours before arrival. That is early enough for guests to plan and late enough that the message is near the top of their inbox when they arrive. It is a habit, not a rule. Some hosts also send a short reminder on the morning of arrival.

Many platforms let you schedule messages ahead of time. Check your platform's messaging settings, and see our built-in messaging guide for what you can automate without extra software.

What to include

1. Address. The full street address, plus a landmark if the entrance is hard to find.
2. Check-in time. And what to do if the guest arrives early.
3. Parking. Where to park and where not to.
4. Entry steps. Which door, where the lock or lockbox is and how to open it.
5. Door code. On its own line so it is easy to find.
6. Wi-Fi. Network name and password.
7. House manual. Where it is in the home or how to open it online.
8. Backup contact. Your phone number or the best way to reach you if entry fails.

Leave house rules, appliance tips and local recommendations to the house manual. A check-in message that tries to say everything gets skimmed.

A short sample

Replace each item in [brackets] with your own details.

Hi [guest name], we're looking forward to your stay on [date]!

• Address: [street address]. Look for the [landmark, such as a blue door].
• Check-in: from [time].
• Parking: [where to park].

Getting in:

1. Go to the [front or side] door.
2. Enter code [code] on the keypad, then press [lock button].
3. Wait for the green light and open the door.

• Wi-Fi: [network name] / [password]
• House manual: [on the kitchen counter, or a link].

If anything doesn't work, message me here or call [phone number]. Have a great trip! [your name]

Security: how to send codes

• Send codes only through the platform's messaging. It keeps a record tied to the booking. Airbnb's page on paying and communicating through Airbnb (opens in a new tab) explains why it wants conversations to stay on the platform.
• Change the code for each stay where possible. A smart lock can often do this automatically. With a lockbox, someone has to change it by hand. Our smart lock vs lockbox answer compares the two.
• Don't post codes in the listing or in photos. Anyone browsing could see them.
• Keep a backup way in. Batteries and connections fail. A backup key in a lockbox protects you and the guest.

Common mistakes

The guest message writer fills a check-in message with your own address, times and Wi-Fi so it is ready to copy and send.