Overview

A smooth checkout experience can have multiple benefits not only for the guests but also for the vacation rentals’ hosts. It can simplify turnover. It also ensures that the property is more ready for the future guests. Lastly, it leaves a positive impression on the guests which can lead to positive reviews and increase the likelihood of them coming back. With the aid of HostAI, one can even automate messages that are sent to the guests so that they can checkout successfully without any manual assistance required from the Airbnb hosts.

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This blog post will provide suggestions on creating concise, clear checkout instructions for the guests and using HostAI to automate the messages the guests receive whenever they need the host’s help.

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What to include in Airbnb Checkout Instructions

The best way to write successful Airbnb checkout instructions is to order the information provided based on its importance. So naturally, it would be recommended to start with the checkout time. Communicating the checkout time to the guests is important so that there is plenty of time for the property to be cleaned and prepared for the next guests. Explain to the guests why the specific time was chosen and be transparent about the process in case they are curious.

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Whether the property contains a lockbox, smart box, or any other way to store the keys, having detailed instructions on how to return them is important since the instructions to get the keys upon arrival may be different from returning them.

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If there are any cleaning expectations on the guest, specify what tasks are expected of them. Tasks that you can ask of the guests can vary from cleaning the dishes they have used to collecting their used bed linens in a designated place. Remember to tailor the tasks that the guests are asked to do to the cleaning fee they pay. If they have to pay a high cleaning fee, it’s recommended to minimize their expected tasks to justify the price. Find related articles that feature guides on how to make the ultimate airbnb cleaning checklist and more on HostAI’s blog page.

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If there are also instructions on device management, such as turning off lights, and electronics, or setting the thermostat, make sure to include it in the instructions as well. After the property has been cleaned and maintained by the guests, it’s now time for them to do a final check before they leave. Provide a checkout list of items and places that they can look over to assist the guests throughout this process. Make sure that the checkout list contains the locations of all windows and doors so the guests can confirm all of them are closed and locked. This also allows them to look around for the last time to see if they left any of their items. 

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Examples of Checkout Instructions

Here are some examples of checkout instructions of different lengths and styles.

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Example #1: Concise Checkout Instructions

“I hope you enjoyed your stay and thank you for choosing our airbnb! To make sure that you have a smooth checkout process, please follow these steps:

• The checkout time is [time] on the day of your departure.
• Return all the keys by placing them in the lockbox by the front door.
• Please wash all the dishes and utensils you used during your stay. You’re welcome to use the dishwasher.
• Make sure all the appliances and the lights are turned off before you leave. 
• Check to close and lock all the doors and windows.
• Do a last scan around the property and make sure you didn’t leave any personal items behind.

Thank you for following the instructions and we hope you had an enjoyable time!”

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Example #2: Detailed Checkout Instructions

“I hope you enjoyed your stay and thank you for choosing our airbnb! To make sure that you have a smooth checkout process, please follow these steps:

• The checkout time is [time] on the day of your departure.
• Return all the keys by placing them in the lockbox by the front door. The code for the lockbox is [code].
• Wash all the dishes and utensils you used during your stay. You’re welcome to use the dishwasher.
• Remove all the used linen and towels and place them in the designated basket in the living room. 
• Move back any furniture or appliances you moved during your stay.
• Make sure all the appliances and the lights are turned off before you leave. 
• Check to close and lock all the doors and windows.
• Do a last scan around the property and make sure you didn’t leave any personal items behind.

Thank you for following the instructions and we hope you had an enjoyable time!”

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Example #3: Simple Checkout Instructions

“I hope you enjoyed your stay and thank you for choosing our airbnb! This is a reminder that checkout is tomorrow at [time]. Before you check out, please clean the dishes and put anything back that was moved during your visit. When you are ready to leave, please press any key on the smart lock and wait to hear it beep twice before you head out.

Happy travels!”

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How to Communicate Checkout Instructions

The best Airbnb checkout instructions in the world would not be very useful if the guests could not find them. So it’s important to make sure that the instructions are available and accessible to the guests throughout their stay. Start with including them in the Airbnb listing and send it to the guests with the booking confirmation along with the arrival guide. It’s also a good idea to have a physical copy available on the property and remind the guests through the Airbnb app notifications, especially during the day before the checkout. The guests may sometimes have questions about the checkout and message you for clarification, this is when the host can use HostAI to automate their responses.

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Automating Checkout Instructions

Message automation can range from scheduling certain messages to be sent at specific times to automating the responses to the questions that the guests may have during their stay. Using AI prompting, HostAI can attend to the guests' needs with minimal to no direct involvement from the host. Furthermore, HostAI will ensure that guest communication remains consistent for times when the host may not be available to answer their questions or cater to their needs. Check these related articles on automating aribnb messages and automating review workflow to find additional information on what HostAI can do to streamline your role as an airbnb host. 

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Enhancing Guest Experience with Flexible Checkout Times 

One of the most frequent questions that are asked by the guests is whether or not they can move the checkout time. Accommodating their schedule by offering flexible checkout times can greatly impact guest satisfaction and encourage potential guests to book your airbnb. Make sure to use the listing editor to add flexible checkout times as a feature in your airbnb listings. 

With HostAI, the host can adjust the checkout time as well as answer any questions that the guests may have. It can also aid in moments where guests checkout earlier than expected or vice versa. Many hosts provide late checkout options with an additional fee which HostAI can also coordinate.

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Conclusion

Even if the instructions are well prepared for the guests, it’s important to make sure that they’re frequently updated whenever there is a change in the property. Any confusion that is avoided with clear instructions will be rewarded with a more satisfied guest and the increased likelihood of airbnb becoming more popular. A clear checkout instruction is a great opportunity to make sure that the guests leave with a positive note and want them to come back again.

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