When we think and talk about safety as it pertains to our professional lives, we tend to place those thoughts within the context of “onboard” safety issues. Of equal importance, however, is our personal safety at layover locations and in layover hotels. As we often remind each other, we should always maintain situational awareness and be aware of our surroundings at layover locations and at hotels, just as we do on the airplane. As we begin to see a rebound in travel and within the travel industry, reviewing hotel safety guidelines is relevant.
- Do not “check-in” or post layover hotel locations on any social media.
- Insist that the crew sign-in sheet be kept confidential and in a secure place.
- Try to have rooms assigned close to other crewmembers, when possible.
- Do not mention room numbers in the presence of other hotel guests and request hotel staff not announce your room number.
- 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 escort you to your room and wait while you inspect the room.
- Check closets, under beds, behind drapes, and the bath. Ensure the phone is working and that you can directly dial 911 or other emergency numbers, 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 with the door closed, use all available door and window locks.
- While at the layover hotel, keep personal luggage in your possession or secured at all times. To the extent possible, leave valuables at home or place them in the hotel safe. Consider securing your LINK device in the room safe, if available, while you are out of your room. As crazy as it may seem, to avoid leaving the hotel room without it, consider locking one of your uniform shoes with the LINK device in the 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. Always 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.
- Always have identification with you when you leave the hotel and try not to leave alone.
- If you do leave the hotel alone, we recommend that you alert at least one other crew member
Addressing our layover safety and security is the number one priority for our United MEC Hotel and Transportation Committee. If you experience an incident that compromises your safety, be sure to document the event by visiting the forms page located on our website. Reporting any issues allows AFA to have the necessary data to address and resolve any situation as soon as possible. Remember, if necessary contact the local authorities for any assistance.