Airbnb Checkout Message Templates You Can Copy
A good Airbnb checkout message reminds guests of the checkout time, lists a few simple tasks like locking up and leaving used towels in one place, and thanks them for staying, all in a message short enough to read on a phone. Airbnb says guests expect an easy checkout without cleaning tasks, so keep requests light (Airbnb Resource Center).
Checkout messages matter to your turnover more than most hosts realize. A guest who leaves on time, with the trash out and the door locked, gives your cleaner the full window. Below are templates I would start from, plus the rules that keep checkout requests reasonable.
How Airbnb handles checkout instructions
Before writing your own messages, set up Airbnb's built in checkout instructions, since guests see those too.
- Where: Airbnb's checkout instructions live in the Arrival guide in the Listing editor (Airbnb Resource Center).
- Preset tasks: gather used towels, throw trash away, turn things off, lock up and return keys, each with room for your own details. The help center says checkout instructions can include up to 140 characters of detail (Airbnb, Add check in and checkout instructions).
- Visibility: guests can see checkout instructions before booking, and afterward in their Trips tab.
- Reminder: Airbnb says it sends guests an automatic checkout reminder the day before departure through the app, if they have notifications turned on.
Airbnb also says guests should not leave a home in a state that needs excessive or deep cleaning, and that it may take action on listings with repeated complaints about unreasonable checkout demands. Check the current guidance on that Resource Center page before adding anything beyond the basics. For more detail, see Airbnb checkout tasks: what you can ask guests to do.
Your messages should repeat the same tasks you set in the listing, never add a longer list.
When to send each message
| Message | Timing | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Night before | Evening before checkout | Reminder, simple tasks, late checkout question |
| Checkout morning | Optional, a couple of hours before checkout | Short reminder for early risers or families |
| Late checkout reply | When asked | Answer based on the next booking |
| Thank you | After checkout | Thanks and a gentle review reminder |
Template 1: the night before
Hi [guest first name], I hope you've enjoyed your stay! Just a reminder that checkout is tomorrow by [checkout time].
Before you go, please:
- Leave used towels in the bathtub
- Put trash in the bins [location]
- Turn off the lights and AC
- Lock the door behind you [lock instructions]
No need to strip the beds or clean up. We take care of that. If you'd like a later checkout, let me know and I'll check whether it's possible.
Safe travels!
This is the message that does the most work. It gives the reminder, the task list and an opening to ask about late checkout before the guest decides on their own to stay late.
Template 2: checkout morning (optional)
Good morning [guest first name]! A quick reminder that checkout is at [checkout time]. Thanks for staying with us, and just lock the door behind you when you leave.
Use this for listings where late departures often cause trouble, such as family homes or large groups. Skip it if your guests are usually on time, since too many messages feel like pressure.
Template 3: late checkout request
When you can say yes:
Hi [guest first name], yes, you're welcome to check out at [new time]. Please lock up the same way when you leave. Enjoy the extra time!
When you cannot:
Hi [guest first name], thanks for asking. Unfortunately we have guests arriving today and our cleaner needs the full time to get the home ready, so I can't offer a late checkout this time. If it helps, [luggage option or nearby cafe suggestion]. Thanks for understanding!
Only say yes after checking the calendar and your cleaner's schedule. A late checkout moves your whole turnover. See late checkouts and early check ins: protecting your turnover window.
Template 4: thank you after checkout
Hi [guest first name], thanks so much for staying at [property name]. It was a pleasure hosting you. I hope you had a great trip, and if you have a moment, a review would really help us. You're always welcome back!
Keep it short, and send it once. Some hosts wait until they have checked the home before sending it, so they know whether there is anything to raise first.
What to ask for, and what to skip
Reasonable requests, in line with Airbnb's preset tasks:
- Gather used towels in one place
- Throw away trash
- Turn off lights, appliances and air conditioning
- Lock up and return keys
Requests that tend to annoy guests and belong in your cleaner's scope:
- Stripping beds or starting laundry
- Vacuuming, mopping or wiping down bathrooms
- Hand washing and putting away every dish
- Taking out recycling to a distant collection point with no instructions
If you find yourself wanting guests to do more, it is usually a sign the cleaning fee or cleaner's time needs adjusting. The guest paid for an easy stay.
Automating checkout messages
Airbnb's scheduled quick replies can be triggered by checkout and include shortcodes for guest first name, checkout date and checkout time (Airbnb, Scheduled quick replies). Two cautions from Airbnb's help article:
- If a detail is missing from your listing, its shortcode shows as unavailable.
- Last minute bookings and short stays may not get scheduled messages unless you turn on the toggle for them.
If you manage several channels through a property management system, send the same messages from there so every guest gets consistent instructions.
After the guest leaves
The checkout message ends the guest's part. Your cleaner's part starts. Ask your cleaner to photograph the home as they find it before cleaning if anything looks unusual, since that is your evidence if a claim is needed. Then the turnover photos show the home is ready.
With Clyn, your cleaner takes the turnover photos in the Clyn app and Clyn's AI checks each one against your property's standard. You get a pass or a fix list before the next guest checks in, plus a dated photo record. If a guest left real damage, see how to prove guest damage on Airbnb.
For the start of the stay, use the matching Airbnb check in message templates.
FAQ
What should an Airbnb checkout message say?
The checkout time, a short list of simple tasks such as gathering towels, taking out trash, turning things off and locking up, an offer to ask about late checkout and a thank you.
Can I ask Airbnb guests to clean before checkout?
Airbnb says guests expect an easy checkout without cleaning tasks. Stick to simple requests like gathering towels and throwing away trash, and leave cleaning to your cleaner.
Does Airbnb remind guests about checkout?
Airbnb says it sends an automatic checkout reminder through the app the day before departure, for guests with notifications turned on. A short message of your own the night before still helps.
If you want every turnover checked before check in, you can try Clyn free on one property at clyn.com.