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Do the Pre-Check-in link or Guest Portal Expire?

Learn why your Pre-Check-in links and Guest Portal don't expire after 24 or 48 hours, but adapt dynamically instead.

Written by Cathy Yap

🔗In ChargeAutomation, the Pre-check-in link and Guest Portal do not have a fixed time-based expiration (like 24 or 48 hours). Instead, the link is persistent and its behavior changes dynamically based on the status of the reservation.

❓How Link Access Works

  • Before Completion: If the guest has not finished the required steps (ID verification, payment, signing terms), the link will always direct them to the Pre-check-in flow to complete the remaining items.

  • After Completion: Once all mandatory steps are finished, the same link automatically transforms into the Guest Portal. This gives the guest access to their digital guidebook, Wifi details, and upsell options.

  • Admin Access: As an admin, you can access the Guest Portal even if the pre-check-in is incomplete (you will see a modal alert informing you that a guest would not be able to see this yet).

⏳Key Time-Based Rules to Note

While the link itself doesn't expire, certain features within the portal have specific durations:

  • Security Deposit Holds: ChargeAutomation can hold a security deposit for up to 30 days. The authorization is typically released up to 7 days after check-out, depending on your settings. This is significantly longer than many PMSs (like Guesty or Hostaway), which often only hold for 7 days.

  • Custom Domain Fallback: If you use a custom domain and it is deactivated (e.g., due to a payment failure), your existing links will not break. They will automatically redirect to the main ChargeAutomation domain to ensure guests can still check in.

⛓️‍💥Common Reasons for "Link Issues"

If a guest reports that a link is not working, it is usually due to one of the following:

  1. Booking Status: If a booking is cancelled in your PMS, the link may become invalid.

  2. Payment Gateway Changes: If you switch your payment gateway, guests may be required to re-enter their card details through the link for security reasons.

  3. Airbnb "Request to Book": For Airbnb reservations that are not yet confirmed, the pre-check-in link may not be sent or active until the host accepts the request.

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