Much like first impressions matter, last impressions matter. Your Airbnb checkout message is one of the very last interactions a guest will have with you and your property before leaving their review. As a result, it’s an important interaction to consider. This guide discusses how to perfectly craft and time your checkout message to set you up for success and, ultimately, positive reviews from your guests. We’ve even included examples of checkout messages to get you started.

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Why does an Airbnb checkout message matter?

A checkout message is another important piece of the puzzle of the total guest experience. It’s one of the many little details that add up to create one awesome guest experience. Here are some specific reasons why the Airbnb checkout message is important:

• It keeps your guests on schedule. On a busy check-out morning, it reminds guests what time they need to be off property, any tasks they may need to complete, and helps keep enough time free for your cleaning crew to get the job done before your next check-in.
• It keeps your property safe. A simple reminder about closing windows, locking doors, and taking the trash out is an important part of household chores.
• A check-out reminder gets ahead of questions. Your message has the opportunity to answer frequently asked questions and avoid having to facilitate questions from guests.
• Lastly, it’s an opportunity to remind guests to leave you reviews. Positive reviews are the lifeblood of this industry, and a reminder goes a long way.

What to include in an Airbnb checkout message

When crafting your Airbnb checkout message, keeping it concise yet comprehensive is key. Here’s what every great message should include:

1. A friendly greeting

Remember, we’re people first. Start things out with a friendly greeting and thank guests for choosing your property.

“Hi [Guest Name], thank you for choosing to stay at [Your Property Name]! We hope you’ve had a wonderful time.”

2. The checkout date and time

Include the check-out date and time. Travel is crazy – the guest may have lost track of days. A little formal reminder will help them stay on top of their calendar.

“Just a reminder, check-out is at 11 AM on [Check-Out Date]. If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out beforehand.”

3. Tasks to complete before leaving

While you should avoid excessive tasks, remind them of any specific check-out tasks you may need from them:

• Returning keys
• Taking the trash out
• Leaving used towels and sheets on the floor.

Here’s an example:

*”Before you leave, we kindly ask you to take a few quick steps:

• Place used towels in the bathroom hamper.
• Dispose of trash in the bins outside.
• Lock all doors and windows.

Thank you for your cooperation!”*

4. Follow up on any issues

Ask them to share any issues they have had so you can address them ASAP.

“If you encountered any problems or accidental damage during your stay, please don’t hesitate to notify us so we can take care of it promptly.”

5. Personal touch & farewell

End the message with another thank you and safe wishes for safe travel.

“We truly enjoyed hosting you and hope to welcome you back soon! Wishing you safe travels and wonderful future adventures.”

6. Contact information

Lastly, remind them of how to contacct you if they need something after their stay (such as an item that was left behind).

“Feel free to message us through the Airbnb app if you have any questions.”

Airbnb message templates

Now that you understand the key components, here are some practical Airbnb message templates you can use and tweak to suit your property:

Standard checkout message

*”Hi [Guest Name],

Thank you for staying with us at [Your Property Name]! Just a quick reminder that check-out is at [Check-Out Time] on [Check-Out Date].

Before you leave:

• Please place used towels in the bathroom.
• Take out trash to the bins near [location].
• Make sure all windows and doors are locked securely.

If you need assistance or have any questions, feel free to contact us through the Airbnb app. Thank you, and safe travels!”*

Late departure policy reminder

*”Hi [Guest Name],

We hope you’re enjoying your stay! Just a quick reminder that check-out is at [Check-Out Time] tomorrow. Kindly note that late check-outs may incur an additional fee as we need time to prepare for the next guest. If you need an extension, please reach out to discuss availability.

Thank you for your cooperation!”*

Encouraging a return visit

*”Hi [Guest Name],

We truly appreciate you choosing [Your Property Name] for your stay. Your check-out is scheduled for [Check-Out Time] on [Check-Out Date]. Please remember to:

• Place used towels in the basket.
• Remove trash before leaving.

Should you have any questions or require assistance, we’re just a message away!

We’d love to welcome you back in the future—don’t forget to use our returning guest discount code for your next trip. Safe travels!”*

Let Host Tools help

Does remembering to type up an Airbnb check-out message sound mentally exhausting? With a rotating array of guests, it would be easy to miss a check-out message. However, Host Tools can fix that. By utilizing Host Tools’ automation features, you can schedule a check-out message to send to departing guests. You can set it and leave it so you never need to worry about remembering to craft this message. Plus, these messages are the perfect time to remind guests to leave you a review.

Tips for crafting an Airbnb checkout message

Want to take things a step further? Here are additional tips to ensure your Airbnb checkout messages stand out:

• As mentioned above, automate the Airbnb checkout message whenever possible. Sending the message the night before check-out is typically the best time to send it to allow time for guests to prepare for the morning and facilitate any questions.
• Use tags to tailor the message as much as possible. For example, simply including their name in the intro (i.e Jill, we hope you enjoyed your stay.) can go a long way.
• Some guests may ask for an extended check-out time. While not always possible, if you are able to accommodate it, it can improve guest relations.
• Make sure your messages are mobile-friendly. Most guests will be checking their phone for communications rather than a laptop.

Final thoughts

The Airbnb checkout message is one of the last interactions you’ll have with a guest. As a result, you want it to leave a positive taste in their mouth. Think about the timing and craft the message thoughtfully. A well-thought-out goodbye could be the difference between a 4- and 5-star review. That said, show genuine appreciation and friendliness in your approach.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!