A joint message from our AFA Hotel Committee; Air Safety, Health & Security Committee (ASHSC); and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee.
Your safety matters to us—and we want you to come home from every trip safe and well. Most layovers go smoothly, and you can keep it that way by staying aware and trusting your instincts. If something feels off, step away. Your vigilance is your best protection on the road. Here are some practical reminders to help you stay safe, whether you’re overnighting in Anchorage, Honolulu, New York City, or anywhere else your flying takes you.
If a situation ever feels unsafe, whether on a layover or in transit, call local emergency services first (911 in the U.S.). Next, contact Crew Scheduling—they can connect you with an Inflight Supervisor or an AFA Representative if you need additional support.
Around The Hotel
- Maintain a low profile. Don’t share that you’re a crewmember or which airline you work for, and never say your room number out loud—remember, you never know who may be listening.
- Stick to well-lit, main areas and use the main entrance, especially at night. Skip back stairwells and dark corners around the property.
- Know where the exits are.
- If you feel like you’re being followed or watched anywhere in the hotel, head straight to the front desk and stay there until staff can assist you.
- Don’t flash cash or jewelry, and lock valuables in the hotel safe. See something suspicious? Tell the front desk or a hotel staff member.
In Your Room
- When you first walk in, check the closet, bathroom, and windows, and confirm every lock works, including sliding doors, windows, and any connecting-room door.
- Keep the door locked the entire time you’re inside, and use every locking device provided.
- When possible, perform room checks in pairs with another crew member outside the room with the door propped open while you check your room.
- Find your nearest exit and count the doors between it and your room, noting which side of the hall it’s on. In a dark or smoke-filled hallway, that count may be how you find your way out.
- Keep your key, ID, and other must-grab items on the nightstand so you can leave fast if you have to.
- Don’t open your door to anyone you can’t verify. If someone says they’re hotel staff, call the front desk to confirm before letting them in. Never invite strangers into your room.
- Keep your key on you, don’t display it in public, and tell the front desk immediately if it goes missing.
When You Head Out
- Use the buddy system. Walk in pairs at night on nearby streets and in parking lots.
- Going out alone? Tell a crewmember where you’re headed and when you expect to be back. If you’re not staying at the crew hotel, leave your contact info and location with someone.
- Never assume an unfamiliar area is safe to walk or run. Wear practical shoes, skip the earbuds, and keep your head up—stay aware of your surroundings.
Getting To And From The Hotel
- Your assigned transportation provider is listed in your trip information.
- Buckle up if the van or shuttle has seat belts, and mind your footing when getting in and out. If you need a hand, ask a fellow crewmember.
Watch Your Drink
Drink spiking or slipping a drug into someone’s beverage or food is a real risk, and the substances used are often colorless, odorless, and tasteless. A few habits go a long way towards stopping this from happening:
- Order directly from the bartender or server, and watch your drink being made when you can.
- Never leave a drink or food unattended. If you walk away from it, get a fresh one.
- Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know well.
- Know your limits. The more you drink, the harder it becomes to recognize if something isn’t right.
- If it looks, smells, or tastes off, don’t finish it.
- Stay with your crew and look out for one another.
- For added safety, drink covers as well as GHB and Rohypnol detection test kits are available for purchase online. These products can provide an additional layer of protection when attending bars, clubs, concerts, or other social events where beverages may be left unattended.
Take it seriously if you suddenly feel far more impaired than what you drank would explain: sudden dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, extreme drowsiness, nausea, or gaps in your memory. If you think your drink was spiked, tell someone you trust right away, get to a safe place, don’t try to drive, and seek medical care quickly. Some drugs clear the body within hours. If you believe a crime occurred, report it to the local police.
If Something Happens
For any safety concern involving your hotel or crew transportation, file a report through the MyCrewCare (API) app on your IMD and complete a Safety Report. That documentation is what lets us hold hotel properties and transportation vendors accountable and push for change.
And you don’t have to carry a bad experience alone. Our AFA EAP Committee offers confidential support, resources, and referrals. You can reach the AFA EAP helpline anytime at (949) 470-0493 or (800) 424-2406.
Trust your instincts, look out for one another, and don’t hesitate to act if something doesn’t feel right. Safe travels!
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