What is a contactless AirBnb check-in?
What is a contactless AirBnb check-in?
Last updated: Dec 21, 2023 · 5 min read

contactless AirBnb check-in

The world unites under the unpleasant circumstances brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, impacting everyone’s life directly or indirectly. It’s probably safe to say that COVID-19 needs no introduction – we all know when it started, what it is, how it’s going, and how much it is affecting our lives.

We all have a responsibility now to help one another and protect each other from exposure to the virus. We know the regular guidelines which are incredibly important, but sadly sometimes they’re not enough.

protect yourself from coronavirus

Contactless Check-in?

You may find yourself having to take a work trip and check into an Airbnb. Suddenly, a bunch of questions pop up: How do I get my keys safely? How do I navigate public transport safely in a new place? How do I find a place to store my luggage safely?

All of those questions and more need to be answered to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during an Airbnb check-in. The idea of a contactless check-in has become popular lately and what it means is that you can enter your Airbnb or hotel without having to be in contact with other people in any way. You might feel like with all the particularities of check-ins it may seem impossible, but thanks to different companies working together to create a safer environment, it is now a reality. You don’t need to expose yourself to unnecessary risk anymore when you check into your Airbnb if you follow some simple guidelines and use some of the services described below.

Exchanging Keys safely with KeyNest

KeyNest was founded in 2016 by two Airbnb hosts, Marc and Florian. Marc was getting fed up with changing his plans to meet Airbnb guests who were arriving late, so he asked his local cafe to hold the keys for him – and that’s when KeyNest was born.

In 2017, KeyNest became the UK’s first Airbnb Host Assist partner. Thanks to their direct integration with Airbnb, you can use your Airbnb account to log in to KeyNest. Log in to the Airbnb website to check out their partner profile.

How is KeyNest contactless? 

Apart from being able to use the network of shops that can store keys for you, you can also use KeyNest’s automatic lockers. The steps are simple, convenient, and completely contactless.

1.  Enter the drop-off details on the screen and place the keys inside the locker.

2.  Share the KeyNest location and the unique 6-digit collection code with your guest.

3.  Your guests can use the code to unlock the lockers and collect their keys.

3. Returning them is as easy as dropping them back at the locker.

With KeyNest you can check into your Airbnb safely and easily without having to meet your host/guest to collect the keys. Learn more and watch how it works here. 

LuggageHero‘s contactless luggage storage

LuggageHero is a network of short-term luggage storage options in shops, cafes, hotels, and more. You no longer have to drag your luggage all over a city or hunt for the elusive storage locker, where you need exact change in the right currency. LuggageHero comes to your rescue with our growing network of +40 luggage storage sites in New YorkLondonCopenhagen, and many more major cities across Europe and North America, and growing in 2021.

How is LuggageHero contactless? 

Contactless Airbnb check-in

Contactless booking and luggage storage are available when booking with LuggageHero.

  • Booking is made online.
  • You drop off your bags at the store and no more is required from you as you operate entirely through the application or online.
  • Simply pick up your bags when turning off the timer on your phone.
  • All storage partners should let travelers drop off and pick up their luggage themselves under the supervision of staff to avoid touching the same surfaces making it entirely contactless.

At LuggageHero, they have taken measures to temporarily close accounts with storage partners who cannot operate because of local regulations and the current health situation in their cities. They are in close contact with affected partners and are taking measures to meet their needs currently, which is why they are offering contactless booking and luggage storage. Even though luggage storage is contactless, it is still important to keep up with the following guidelines:

covid storage

To learn about the current COVID-19 situation in various cities, you can check out their COVID-19 information hub here.

What else can we do for a contactless check-in?

The check-in is unfortunately a lot more than the process of getting the key and walking inside your apartment. To reach your Airbnb, you often have to travel, use public transport, and interact with others. Here is what you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Guidelines for before and after check-in:

When meeting people, if possible, try to maintain at least 1 1-meter distance between you and others, and wear a mask. WHO recommends you try and include mask-wearing as a normal part of your life when around people. 

If possible, avoid closed, crowded spaces and physical or close contact. When meeting others, besides keeping your distance and wearing a mask, remember to try and meet outdoors. It has been proven that outdoor gatherings reduce the risk of getting COVID-19, due to the airflow. 

If you can’t avoid a crowded, indoor space, you can try to make it a bit safer with these precautions: 

  • Open a window or door if possible – let the room ventilate as much as possible.
  • Wear a mask

Try to avoid the use of public transport, especially during peak hours – always choose alternatives such as bikes and scooters when possible. It’s tricky sometimes, so if you can’t, remember to follow the COVID-19 guidelines provided by the country or city you’re in. Be extra careful with your hygiene, especially your hands:

  • Before and after using public transport, wash your hands and use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching anything, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Wear a mask, and avoid touching it to readjust it.
  • When sneezing and coughing, use a tissue to cover your mouth or use the inside of your elbow.

If possible, be as “cashless” as possible: use contactless methods of payment to avoid handling physical money. Using physical money leads to a lot of unnecessary risk of the virus spreading. 

The services and guidelines above should help you have a contactless AirBnb check-in or provide such for your guests. Stay safe!

 

Contactless check-in