Flight Attendants Share 90-Second Hotel Room Safety Routine

Flight attendants are advocating for a swift, six-step safety routine, dubbed the "hotel room autopsy," to ensure hotel rooms are secure before settling in. This practice, common among airline crew members who frequently stay in hotels, involves a quick inspection of the room, locks, and emergency exits.

The routine is designed to be completed in approximately 90 seconds and aims to provide peace of mind for travelers. Some aspects of the advice mirror recommendations provided by the U.S. State Department for hotel safety.

The six steps include:

First, flight attendants recommend scanning the entire room to confirm no one is present and that housekeeping has finished. This initial check helps familiarize the traveler with the space and ensure everything appears in order.

Second, travelers should conduct a brief inspection of common hiding spots, such as behind curtains, in closets, and within the bathroom.

Third, locating the nearest emergency exit and reviewing the evacuation map, typically found on the back of the room door, is crucial. Understanding the layout of the floor and the proximity of stairwells can be vital in an emergency.

Fourth, checking that all locks—including the main door, deadbolt, and security latch—function correctly is essential. This also extends to ensuring windows can be properly secured.

Fifth, verifying that the room's telephone is operational is advised, providing a direct line to the front desk or emergency services if a mobile phone fails. This step also allows for verification of any unexpected visitors claiming to be hotel staff.

Finally, experts suggest using a portable door alarm or a door wedge at the base of the door to detect any attempted entry. While this provides an additional layer of security, it should not replace the verification of the hotel's own locking mechanisms.

Travel advisors suggest that a brief investment of time in these checks allows travelers to relax and enjoy their trip without undue fear. The emphasis is on preparedness rather than anxiety.