Ever walk into a hotel room, toss your bag on the bed, and immediately start relaxing? Flight attendants say you might want to hit pause for about 90 seconds first.
Many airline crew members perform what’s known as a “hotel room autopsy” . . . which is a fast safety check they use before unpacking. Since they spend hundreds of nights in hotels each year, they’ve developed a routine to make sure everything is as it should be.
Here’s the six-step “autopsy” you can do the next time you check into a hotel room:
1. Scan the room . . . First take a quick look around to make sure the room is empty and ready.
2. Inspect hiding spots . . . Check closets, bathrooms, showers, bathtubs, and behind curtains.
3. Locate the emergency exits . . . Find the nearest exit and look at the evacuation map.
4. Check the locks . . . To be safe, test the door locks, deadbolts, security latches, and windows.
5. Make sure the phone works . . . A lot of times they are unplugged or not working. It’s important to verify you can contact the front desk or emergency services if needed.
6. Use a door alarm or wedge . . . This extra layer of security can be super helpful, especially if you’re traveling alone.