Check-in instructions
Check-in instructions a tired guest can follow in the dark.
Guests read check-in instructions at the worst moment: at the end of a long journey, on a small screen, often at night. Write them in the order guests do things, with every code and landmark spelled out.
Short answer
Give the check-in time, how to find the door, how to get the key (key box, smart lock or handover), the code in bold, and what to do if something goes wrong. Send it a day or two before arrival and again on the day.
What to include
- The check-in time, and whether early bags drop-off is possible.
- How to find the door. Which entrance, floor and flat number, and a landmark. Map pins often land on the wrong side of a building.
- How to get in. Key box, smart lock, keypad or a person meeting them.
- The code, in bold, on its own line.
- Lights and heating. Where the first light switch is, especially in a dark entrance.
- Parking on arrival.
- A plan B. Who to call if the code fails, and a number that answers late.
Examples for different setups
Key box
The key box is on the wall to the left of the front door. Code: 4821. Slide the cover down, turn the dials, press the button. Please close it and scramble the numbers afterwards.
Smart lock
The door has a keypad lock. Enter [code] and press the tick. The code works from 15:00 on your arrival day until 11:00 on the day you leave.
Flat in a building
Enter through the blue door next to the bakery. Street door code [code]. Take the lift to the 3rd floor; our door is the second on the right, number 12.
Meeting in person
Anna will meet you at the house. Message her on [phone] about 30 minutes before you arrive so she can be there.
A check-in message template
Hi [guest name], we are looking forward to having you. Check-in is from [15:00] on [date]. Address: [full address] [How to find the door, one sentence.] Keys: [key box / smart lock / handover]. Code: [code] Wi-Fi, parking, house rules and our local tips are in your guide: [guide link] If anything goes wrong on arrival, call or message [name] on [phone]. Safe travels, [your name]
Small things that prevent big problems
- Add a photo of the door or key box if your guide or platform allows it.
- Test the code yourself after every change.
- Mention the outside light. Many arrival problems happen in the dark.
- Write the code in the message and the guide, so guests without signal at the door still have it.
Questions hosts ask
When should I send Airbnb check-in instructions?
Airbnb shares the check-in instructions in your listing with booked guests before arrival, and you can also send them in a scheduled message. Many hosts send them one to three days before, then a short reminder on the day.
How do I write check-in instructions for a self check-in?
Go step by step from the street to the inside of the home: entrance, door, key box or lock, code, first light switch. Add a number to call if the code fails.
Should the door code be in the guest guide?
Guests need it at the door, often without signal. A guide that works offline once opened, or the booking message, is a good place. Change the code between stays if your lock allows it.