Layover Safety

Date: December 10, 2019
Type: AFA Article


MEC Safety Health and Security   

As Safety Professionals, we know the importance of being aware of our surroundings to immediately identify a potential issue.  We work hard to make safety our top priority and this focus is something that each of us routinely integrates into our thinking even when we are off duty and enjoying our layover.   After a long day at work, we’re tired and it’s easy to become distracted and let the following hotel safety guidelines slip past us:

  • 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.
  • Do not mention room numbers in the presence of other hotel guests and request hotel staff not to announce your room number.
  • Prior to closing the door to your room, use your suitcase to prop open the door and check the room with a fellow crewmember, if possible. 
  • 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 another emergency number, where 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, including your LINK.
  • 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.

Our Safety, Health and Security Committee and our Hotel and Transportation Committee work hard to ensure our safety on layovers. If you experience an incident that has the potential to compromise your safety, you can report it at www.unitedafa.orgReports/ Forms. When you take the time to report concerns you provide vital data which can be used to effectuate changes to current hotels or locations we stay while always ensuring our safety comes first. 


Return to Grievance home page

top of page

FAA and FAR Issues

Safety Concerns and Layover Hotel Guidelines

October 12, 2023 - AFA Article

Conflict in Israel Impacts United Operations

October 12, 2023 - AFA Article

International SOS Security and Medical Aid

October 12, 2023 - AFA Article

SFO KCM Relocation on October 10

October 10, 2023 - AFA Article