Layover Safety Tips

MEC Safety, Health & Security Committee

As Flight Attendants, it is important to remember that we travel to various regions across the globe which expose us to different cultural, societal and political climates that we may not be familiar with. Before your flight, it is recommended to research the destination you are traveling to in order to learn more about cultural norms, the political environment as well as where the closest U.S. embassy is located.

Due to recent increases in protests and political unrest in certain parts of the world, we would like to remind Flight Attendants about layover safety as a precautionary measure. 

Whether you are on a domestic or an international layover, please remember the following:

• Keep personal luggage in your possession or secured at all times. Leave valuables at home or place them in the hotel safe including your UAL ID and LINK.
• Should you leave the hotel, first check with the hotel front desk staff about which areas are safe and unsafe.
• When you leave the hotel, ensure that you tell a fellow crew member where you are going (when possible) or leave a note in your room on where you will be going and expected return time.
• Avoid protests and demonstrations
• Do not wear expensive jewelry or display large amounts of cash.
• Do not wear clothing that could identify you as an airline employee and avoid airline specific conversations
• Leave a note in your room that includes your intended destination, time of departure and a description of what you are wearing.

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 are involved in or witness an immediate threat to your safety or security, contact local authorities. If you are injured, become ill, or encounter a security issue (such as theft) while on layover, contact the Inflight Duty Manager (IFDM) for assistance.

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.

For more information on Layover Safety, please review United’s Layover Safety Guide.