Layover Safety

Article Provided by the United AFA Hotel & Transportation Committee

We often consider activity onboard the aircraft when reviewing safety and security procedures, but personal safety at layover locations should also be at the forefront of safety in our work environment.  Please review the following hotel safety guidelines:

• Do not mention room numbers in the presence of other hotel guests and request hotel staff not to announce your room number.
• Do not “check-in” or post layover hotel locations on any social media network.
• Insist that the crew sign-in sheet be kept in a secure place.
• Try to have rooms assigned close to other crewmembers, when possible.
• Prior to closing the room door, check your room with a fellow crewmember and use your suitcase to prop the door open.
• When you are alone on the layover, you might consider requesting hotel security or other staff to escort you to your room and wait while you inspect the entire room.
• Check closets, under beds, behind drapes and the bath. Ensure the phone is working and you can directly dial 911 or other emergency number, if needed and it’s locally available.
• Take note of the number of fire exits, where they are located and if re-entry is possible from floor to floor.
• Once inside the room and the door is closed, use all available door and window locks.
• While at the layover hotel, keep personal luggage in your possession or secured at all times.  Leave valuables at home or place them in the hotel safe.
• Place your room key and your flashlight at your bedside and keep in mind that we stay in some areas subject to earthquakes and tornadoes so review available hotel emergency procedures.
• Verify with the front desk the identity of anyone at your room door, including room service, before allowing them inside.