Layover Safety: New Criminal Tactics & Staying Alert

MEC Safety, Health & Security Committee

As Flight Attendants, we are frequently exposed to different regions of the world and may potentially be at a higher risk of being targeted as tourists or Crew. There have been recent reports of new criminal tactics on international layovers involving impersonating police officers.

Crew members should remain vigilant that criminals, posing as police officers, have targeted individuals, resulting in robberies. The criminals impersonating law enforcement may approach individuals demanding their belongings, including wallet and cell phone, for “official” reasons. If you are approached, ask them to escort you to the nearest local police station.

With recent reports, heightened summer travel, and changing geopolitical situations throughout the world, personal safety at layover locations should be at the forefront of our work environment.

We strongly recommend the following considerations for your safety and security while on layovers, especially when traveling outside of the United States:

• While at the airport, stay together. Do not let anyone get separated from the group.
• Do not leave your bags unattended for any reason – at the airport or in the hotel.
• When leaving the airport to the hotel and returning, at least one crew member should ensure all bags are stowed for transport, and the storage compartment on the vehicle is secured. For more information on ensuring safe transportation on layovers, click here.

As part of this, we also recommend you review the following hotel safety guidelines once arriving at the layover hotel:

• 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 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 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, if needed and ensure that 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 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.
• Verify with the front desk the identity of anyone at your room door, including room service, before allowing them inside.

Being prepared and staying vigilant will ensure you have the resources you may need during layovers when visiting different countries. To help support you, the company has partnered with International SOS to provide security and medical assistance in emergency and non-emergency situations. Additionally, Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided through the U.S. Department of State to keep travelers connected to relevant information while out of the country in case of an emergency.

If you experience an incident that compromises your safety, be sure to document the event by visiting the Reports & Forms page located on our website.

Your reports provide AFA the necessary data to address and resolve situations as soon as possible. Remember, if necessary, contact the local authorities for any immediate assistance.