A well-crafted Airbnb checkout message isn’t just a courtesy; it’s an essential tool for smooth turnovers, satisfied guests, and glowing reviews. Whether you manage one property or dozens, providing clear, timely checkout instructions ensures your guests leave on a positive note, paving the way for 5-star reviews and easy preparation for your next visitors.

When an Airbnb guest knows exactly what to do at check-out time, it minimizes confusion and creates a seamless experience. It also reduces the risk of missing keys, overlooked house rules, or last-minute questions that can disrupt your short-term rental operations. These messages also set the stage for building long-term guest relationships and earning the coveted Superhost status by consistently delivering outstanding guest experiences.

This blog will guide you through crafting effective Airbnb checkout messages, provide free templates for various scenarios, and show you how to automate your guest communication for a stress-free hosting experience.

Key elements of a good guest checkout message

A good checkout message is both informative and friendly. Below are the critical components to include:

• Express gratitude: Starting your message with a thank-you sets a positive tone and shows your appreciation for the guest’s stay.
• Provide clear instructions: Detailed check-out instructions help avoid misunderstandings and ensure the property is ready for the next guests. Include tasks like:
  • Tidying up (e.g., washing dishes, taking out trash).
  • Returning furniture or borrowed items to their original locations.
  • Securing the property by locking doors and returning keys to a lockbox.
• Include last-minute reminders: Guests may forget small but essential details like:
  • Turning off lights or appliances to conserve energy.
  • Setting the thermostat to a specified temperature.
  • Double-checking for personal belongings, especially in drawers and closets.
• Encourage feedback and reviews: A polite reminder about leaving a review can go a long way toward earning positive reviews and improving your Airbnb ranking. Include a phone number or contact method for immediate follow-up or feedback.

Timely and concise communication is essential for reinforcing house rules, avoiding disputes, and enhancing the overall guest experience.

Airbnb message templates for every Airbnb host

Below are free, customizable Airbnb checkout message templates to suit various hosting scenarios. Use these templates to ensure smooth communication and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Standard checkout message

Subject: Thank you for your stay! Quick checkout reminders

Hi [Guest First Name],

Thank you for staying at [Property Name]! We hope you had a wonderful time. As your checkout time approaches ([Check-out Date] at [Check-out Time]), here are a few quick reminders:

• Please take out the trash and leave it in the designated bins outside.
• Wash any used dishes and return them to the cabinets.
• Lock all doors and windows and return the key to the lockbox ([Lockbox Code]).
• Set the thermostat to [Temperature].

We’d greatly appreciate it if you could leave us a review on Airbnb. Your feedback helps us improve and welcome future guests! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at [Your Phone Number].

Safe travels and we hope to host you again soon! Best regards,

[Your Name]

Eco-friendly checkout message

Subject: Quick checkout tips: Let’s go green!

Hi [Guest First Name],

Thank you for choosing [Property Name] for your stay! As your checkout time ([Check-out Date] at [Check-out Time]) approaches, please:

• Separate recyclables from trash and place them in the recycling bins.
• Turn off all lights and unplug any appliances to conserve energy.
• Ensure water taps are fully closed.

Your eco-friendly actions make a big difference! We hope you had a lovely stay and would love to hear your feedback. Please consider leaving us a review on Airbnb to share your experience.

Safe travels,

[Your Name]

Family-friendly checkout message

Subject: Wrapping up your family getaway

Hi [Guest First Name],

We hope you and your family enjoyed your stay at [Property Name]! Before you head out ([Check-out Time] on [Check-out Date]), please:

• Return any borrowed items (e.g., high chairs, toys) to their original spots.
• Make sure all childproofing features are still in place.
• Lock up and leave the keys in the lockbox ([Lockbox Code]).

Thank you for choosing us for your family vacation. We’d love to host you again soon! Feel free to reach out at [Your Phone Number] with any feedback or questions.

Best,

[Your Name]

Last-minute checkout message for same-day turnovers

Subject: Quick reminder: Checkout today at [Check-out Time]

Hi [Guest First Name],

We hope you enjoyed your stay at [Property Name]. As we prepare for our next guests, we kindly ask that you:

• Follow the checkout instructions provided.
• Leave the property by [Check-out Time].
• Reach out if you need assistance or have any questions about the checkout process.

Thank you for your cooperation, and we wish you safe travels!

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Breezeway Checkout Alerts

Subject: Checkout reminder message

Hi [Guest First Name],

We’re sad to see you go, but hope you had a wonderful stay at [Property Name]. If you depart tomorrow beofre [Checkout time], please respond “CHECKOUT” to this message to let us know the property is vacant. We hope to host you again soon!

Safe travels,

[Your Name]

How hosts save time with Breezeway’s Automated Checkout Alert Messages

Any additional cleaning time on busy turn days is a gift, but understanding when guests leave a property for the final time can be tricky. Breezeway’s Checkout Alert was created to give you visibility into your guest’s departure while making it easy for them to share when they’ve left the property via text. Cleaners save 2 hours per turnover, on average, with Breezeway checkout alerts.

“We have been using Breezeway's check-out text messages feature for well over a year or two now and have already seen more than 100,000 guests use it. What a game changer 👏 While part of our check-out instructions asks guests to message us when they leave, we saw little cooperation. With the check-out text going out the night before, we have increased our responses! This allows our teams to start sooner, hop on issues guests report at check-out, and eliminate issues of guests forgetting when check-out day/time was. Thank you, Breezeway, for saving lives once again!”

– Brittany Blackman, Owner, Breathe Easy Rentals

And, it’s not just guests who love the checkout alert, Deb Furlong of Beach Getaways in Alabama’s Gulf Coast shared, “Our cleaners love that they can get in early to clean! They love the checkout messaging.” Entering a unit earlier in the day to clean creates a positive ripple effect and allows you to delight the next guest by granting early check-in if requested. 

Tips to customize your checkout instructions

Personalizing your checkout instructions enhances guest communication and leaves a lasting positive impression. Here are some tips:

• Keep it concise: Stick to the essentials to avoid overwhelming guests. Shortcodes can simplify messages while maintaining clarity.
• Maintain a friendly tone: Ensure your message feels welcoming, not overly strict. Use phrases like “good morning” or “safe travels” to soften the tone.
• Personalize when possible: Address guests by name and reference details such as their check-in date or upcoming stay.
• Plan for exceptions: Prepare backup messages for unique situations, like late checkouts or emergencies.
• Incorporate automation: Use scheduled messages to ensure timely communication without additional effort.

With clear guest messaging, vacation rental hosts can set the stage for efficient turnovers and maintain high ratings on platforms like the Airbnb app.

How Breezeway can help

Managing guest communication doesn’t have to be stressful. Breezeway’s automated messaging tools allow you to:

• Send timely, personalized messages based on check-in and check-out times.
• Use saved templates for consistent communication.
• Incorporate shortcodes for guest names, check-in dates, and more.
• Schedule follow-up messages to thank guests and request reviews.

With Breezeway, you can automate tasks like sending check-in instructions, booking confirmations, and quick reminders about house rules or check-out dates. This ensures your guest communication strategy is both efficient and effective, leaving you more time to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Smooth checkouts for a better guest experience

Crafting the perfect Airbnb checkout message ensures smooth guest transitions, fosters positive reviews, and sets you apart as a thoughtful host. By using the free templates and tips shared in this blog, you can communicate effectively with guests while saving time and reducing stress.

A seamless checkout doesn’t just benefit the departing guest—it ensures the property is ready for the next guests. Clear instructions reduce turnover time, making it easier for cleaning teams to prepare the space efficiently. This contributes to a smooth check-in process for your upcoming stay, enhancing the first impression of new guests. By addressing small but impactful details, such as returning keys to the lockbox or following house rules, you create a consistent experience that builds trust and loyalty.