The checkout process on Airbnb
Checkout on Airbnb happens in two parts: you physically leave the property and return the keys, then you confirm your departure in the app. The host sets the official checkout time — usually 10 or 11 a.m. — and you must leave by then. After you leave, you open the Airbnb app, go to your reservation, and tap the button to confirm you have checked out. The host then has a window to inspect the property and confirm the checkout on their end.
The exact steps depend on whether you are checking out on a computer or phone, and whether the host has set up keyless entry or requires a physical key exchange. Most checkouts take five to ten minutes to complete in the app, but the whole process — packing, leaving, confirming — should happen within an hour of your checkout time.
Key Takeaways
- You must physically leave the property by the checkout time the host set, usually 10 or 11 a.m., or you may be charged for an extra night.
- After you leave, open the Airbnb app, find your reservation, and tap the checkout confirmation button to notify the host you have departed.
- If the host uses a lockbox or smart lock, you can leave the keys there; if they use a traditional lock, you may need to return keys in person or leave them in an agreed location.
- The host has up to 72 hours after checkout to review the property and confirm the checkout in the app, which triggers the final payment settlement.
- If you have damage to report or a concern about your stay, document it with photos before you leave the property.
Checking out through the Airbnb app on your phone
Open the Airbnb app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select "Trips" to see your current and past reservations. Find the reservation you are checking out of and tap it to open the details. Scroll down until you see a button labeled "Check Out" or "Confirm Checkout" — the exact wording varies by app version. Tap that button.
The app will ask you to confirm that you have left the property and that it is in good condition. You can add a note to the host if needed — for example, if you left something behind or want to let them know about a maintenance issue. After you tap confirm, the app sends a notification to the host that you have departed. Do not close the app or go back until you see a confirmation message.
Checking out through the Airbnb website on a computer
Log into your Airbnb account on a web browser. Click "Trips" in the top navigation menu. Find the reservation you are checking out of and click on it. Scroll down to find the checkout section, which usually appears near the bottom of the reservation details.
Click the "Check Out" or "Confirm Checkout" button. The site will ask you to confirm that you have left the property and that everything is in order. Add any notes for the host if necessary, then click the final confirmation button. You will see a message confirming that your checkout has been recorded.
What to do with the keys before you leave
Check your reservation details or the house rules to see how the host wants you to handle the keys. Many hosts use keyless entry — a smart lock, lockbox, or garage code — so you straightforward lock the door behind you and leave nothing behind. If the host uses keyless entry, you do not need to do anything with keys.
If the property has a physical key, the host will have told you in the house rules or in a message where to leave it. Common options are a lockbox outside the door, a drop box mounted on the wall, or returning it in person to the host or a nearby office. Never leave a key loose on the porch or under a mat. If you are unsure where to leave the key, message the host before your checkout time and ask.
If you lose the key or cannot find the agreed drop-off location, message the host when ready. Do not leave without confirming with them where the key should go. A missing key can delay the host's ability to check the property and may result in a charge to your account.
Timing and late checkout fees
The checkout time is set by the host and appears in your reservation details. It is usually 10 or 11 a.m., but can be earlier or later. You must leave the property by that time. If you are still there after the checkout time, the host may charge you for a partial or full extra night, depending on their cancellation policy.
Some hosts offer late checkout for an additional fee. If you need to stay longer, message the host before your checkout time and ask if late checkout is available. The host can approve it and adjust your reservation, or they may decline if the next guest is arriving that day. Do not assume late checkout is possible — always ask first.
What happens after you confirm checkout
Once you tap the checkout button in the app, the host receives a notification that you have left. The host then has up to 72 hours to inspect the property and confirm the checkout on their end. During this time, Airbnb holds your payment and does not release it to the host yet.
After the host confirms the checkout, Airbnb processes the final payment to the host and closes out your reservation. You will see the reservation move to your "Past Trips" section. If the host reports damage or missing items, Airbnb may contact you to discuss a claim, which can happen days or weeks after checkout.
Reporting damage or issues before you leave
If you notice damage to the property that was already there when you arrived, or if something breaks during your stay, take photos and document it before you leave. After you confirm checkout in the app, it becomes harder to prove you did not cause the damage.
Message the host or use the app's resolution center to report the issue while you are still at the property or when ready after you leave. Describe what happened, when you noticed it, and include clear photos. If the host later claims you caused the damage, your message and photos will be part of the record.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I forget to confirm checkout in the app?
The host can still confirm the checkout on their end, which closes the reservation. However, it is better to confirm it yourself so there is no confusion about when you actually left. If you realize you forgot after you have already left, open the app and confirm as soon as you can.
Can I check out early without penalty?
Yes. Early checkout does not cost you anything — you are straightforward leaving before the checkout time. You still need to confirm the checkout in the app. The host keeps the full payment for the reservation regardless of when you leave.
What if the host does not confirm checkout after I leave?
The host has up to 72 hours to confirm. If they do not confirm within that window, Airbnb automatically closes the reservation and releases your payment. You can contact Airbnb support if the reservation stays open longer than 72 hours.
Do I need to clean the property before I check out?
Check the house rules and your reservation details. Most hosts expect you to leave the property in the condition you found it — dishes washed, trash removed, beds stripped if the rules say so. Airbnb does not charge a cleaning fee to the guest unless the host has explicitly added one to your reservation. If you leave the property very dirty, the host may file a damage claim.
What if I left something behind?
Message the host as soon as you realize it. Many hosts will hold items for a short time or mail them to you for a fee. The sooner you contact them, the more likely they are to help. Airbnb also has a lost items process — you can report it through the app and Airbnb will try to contact the host on your behalf.