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Introduction
The rollout of Airbnb’s 2025 Off-Platform Policy left a lot of hosts scrambling. If you’ve found yourself wondering things like:
- “Can I still send a digital guest guide?”
- “What about offering early check-in or a stocked fridge?”
- “Am I even allowed to use third-party tools anymore?”
You’re not alone. The update caused a fair bit of panic—especially among hosts who rely on automation and upsells to run a smooth, profitable operation.
So let’s break it down: what changed, what’s still allowed, and how tools like Checked.in can help you stay compliant and continue delivering an excellent guest experience.
What Is Airbnb’s 2025 Off-Platform Policy?
At its core, this policy is Airbnb saying:
“Keep all bookings, payments, and essential communication on our platform.”
Here’s a breakdown of what’s now restricted:
❌ No Off-Platform Payments or Bookings
You can’t ask guests to book directly, pay via PayPal, or handle any money outside Airbnb—including for optional add-ons like pet fees or late checkout.
❌ No Sharing Contact Info Before Booking
No more sending your phone number, email, or external links in messages before a guest confirms their stay.
❌ No Required External Apps or Tools
You can’t force a guest to sign up for another app or website just to access check-in instructions or property info.
❌ No External Review Requests
Asking guests to leave you a Google or TripAdvisor review? Not allowed if they booked through Airbnb.
❌ All Mandatory Fees Must Be Transparent
Cleaning fees, pet fees, resort charges—if it’s required, it must be clearly listed in your Airbnb pricing. You can’t tack on hidden charges later via chat or arrival.
These changes aim to improve transparency and guest trust—but they’ve also left a lot of hosts uncertain about what tools they can still use.
Why Hosts Are Confused
It’s not just the rules—it’s how they were rolled out.
Airbnb’s announcement wasn’t exactly crystal clear, and the fine print created more questions than answers.
Common concerns we’ve heard:
- “Can I still send my guest a digital guide?”
- “Will Airbnb flag me for linking to a service like grocery delivery or bike rentals?”
- “If I use a guest communication tool, is that a violation?”
Add to that Airbnb’s new AI-driven message scanning (flagging anything that looks like off-platform behavior), and you’ve got a community of hosts who are understandably cautious.
So… Can You Still Use Checked.in?
Yes. Absolutely.
Checked.in was designed with host compliance in mind—especially for platforms like Airbnb that have strict boundaries around communication and payments.
Here’s why it remains fully compliant:
✅ It’s Optional for Guests
You’re never requiring guests to use Checked.in. If they want to stick with Airbnb messaging, that’s fine. The guide is a helpful add-on, not a requirement.
✅ No Off-Platform Payments
Checked.in doesn’t collect money from your Airbnb guests. Instead, it allows you to showcase upsells or services and then handle payment through Airbnb—like using the Resolution Center or modifying the reservation.
✅ No Data Harvesting
Checked.in doesn’t scrape emails, phone numbers, or personal data to add guests to a mailing list or future marketing funnel. Any info gathered is purely to improve the current stay.
✅ Communication Stays Airbnb-Safe
You share your Checked.in guide after a guest has booked, usually through Airbnb’s messaging system. All essential communication can still happen within Airbnb.
This aligns with Airbnb’s stated exceptions for tools that enhance the guest experience as long as they’re optional.
Upsells You Can Still Offer (the Right Way)
Good news: you don’t have to give up upsells. You just need to route them through Airbnb’s systems when guests book on their platform.
Here are a few upsells you can confidently offer, using Checked.in to present them:
🕒 Early Check-In / Late Checkout
Mention the option in your guide, then charge via Airbnb using a booking alteration or a special offer.
🧼 Mid-Stay Cleaning or Fresh Linens
Guests can request this via Checked.in. You charge them through Airbnb’s Resolution Center. No Venmo or cash on arrival—ever.
🛒 Fridge Stocking / Grocery Delivery
You can show this as an option in your guide. Either bill the guest through Airbnb or let them pay the delivery service directly (if you’re not handling the money).
🚲 Amenity Rentals (Bikes, Kayaks, etc.)
If you’re renting equipment yourself, process payment through Airbnb. If it’s a third-party rental shop, the guest can book directly with them.
🍽️ Private Chef or Local Experiences
You can list the service in Checked.in. If you’re coordinating or charging for it, use Airbnb’s system. If it’s run by a third party, the guest can pay them directly.
The big takeaway? You’re allowed to talk about and offer these services. You just need to be thoughtful about how you handle payments.
What If You’re Not Using Airbnb?
If you’re booking guests through your own website or another platform (like Booking.com or VRBO), you’re not bound by Airbnb’s off-platform rules.
That means:
- ✅ You can use the full Checked.in storefront
- ✅ You can collect upsell payments through Stripe or similar tools
- ✅ You can ask for emails (with permission) and build long-term guest relation
For direct bookings, Checked.in becomes your full guest communication and revenue-building hub—from check-in forms to add-on sales to post-stay follow-ups.
So if you’re considering moving away from 100% Airbnb reliance, this is the perfect time to build your own direct booking strategy.
Best Practices for Staying Compliant
Here’s a quick checklist to keep you protected while using Checked.in with Airbnb:
✅ Only share the guide after booking confirmation
✅ Use Airbnb messages to send the link
✅ Don’t hide essential check-in info behind an app
✅ Charge for any extras using Airbnb’s tools
✅ Don’t collect emails or promote future direct bookings
✅ Toggle off the storefront for Airbnb guests if needed (Checked.in makes this easy)
Checked.in even lets you turn upsell features off for Airbnb guests and on for direct bookings—so you can tailor the experience without risking anything.
Final Thoughts
Yes, Airbnb’s 2025 policy changes can feel restrictive—but they don’t mean you need to stop offering thoughtful extras or using helpful tools.
With the right approach, you can still:
- Offer premium guest experiences
- Automate communication
- Upsell services and add value
- Stay 100% within the rules
Checked.in is built for exactly this balance. It works with Airbnb’s guardrails while giving you the flexibility to shine as a host and grow your revenue—especially if you’re also leaning into direct bookings.
Ready to Keep Growing (Without Breaking the Rules)?
If you’re looking to simplify your guest messaging, offer compliant upsells, and build long-term trust with guests, Checked.in is your all-in-one platform.
📚 Read: How Digital Guest Guides Can Transform Your STR Business
📈 Planning a shift? Here’s How to Transition from Airbnb to Direct Bookings
Let’s keep your rental running smoothly—and compliantly.
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