Before you start
- An active Airbnb host account with at least one listing
- Your check-in/checkout details, Wi-Fi, and directions ready to paste
- Access to Airbnb from a desktop browser or the host app
What you'll end up with
Four scheduled messages that fire automatically at booking, before arrival, on check-in day, and before checkout — personalized to each reservation with shortcodes.
Airbnb's interface changes periodically. These steps reflect the scheduled-messaging feature at the time of writing; if a menu label differs, look for Messages → Scheduled messages or the automation settings on your listing. See Airbnb's own help article linked in Sources.
Steps
- 1
Open scheduled messages
From your host dashboard, go to the Messages area and find Scheduled messages (sometimes under Menu or automation settings).
- 2
Create the booking confirmation
Trigger it on new booking. Thank the guest, confirm the dates, and tell them when to expect check-in details. Keep it warm and short.
- 3
Create the pre-arrival message
Trigger it 1–2 days before check-in. Include directions, parking, the check-in method, and the Wi-Fi. This message prevents most arrival-day questions.
- 4
Create the check-in-day message
Trigger it the morning of check-in. Restate the door code and check-in time, and invite the guest to message you if anything isn't clear.
- 5
Create the checkout reminder
Trigger it the night before checkout. State the checkout time and the two or three things you ask guests to do (trash, keys, windows).
- 6
Personalize with shortcodes
Insert shortcodes for the guest's first name, check-in/checkout times, and nights so each message reads as written for that reservation.
- 7
Assign to listings and save
Apply each message to the right listing(s), then send yourself a test reservation message or preview to confirm the wording and timing.
What scheduled messages can't do
They send on a timer regardless of what the guest actually asks. Pair them with a house manual or AI concierge so guests can also get answers on demand — including questions you never scripted.
Design your full message sequence before you build it.
Use the schedule builderTroubleshooting
A message didn't send
Confirm the message is enabled and assigned to that listing, and that the trigger timing hadn't already passed when the booking came in (e.g. a same-day booking skips a '2 days before' message).
Shortcodes show as raw text
Re-insert them from the shortcode menu rather than typing them manually — the exact token format must match.
The message feels generic
Add one non-templated line and use the guest's name early. Move any question guests still ask into the message that comes before it.
Frequently asked questions
Does Airbnb charge for scheduled messages?+
Scheduled messaging is a built-in host feature at no extra cost. Third-party tools add cross-channel scheduling, richer conditions, and a unified inbox if you list on multiple platforms.
Go beyond timers — answer the questions you never scripted, 24/7.
See the AI concierge