Bizarre cabin crew tricks for staying safe in hotels – like hiding your toothbrush in the safe
IF your hotel check-in routine usually consists of unpacking your bag and checking out the outrageous minibar prices – you might wan to take note.
Because according an ex-flight attendant, there are several routines cabin crew practice for safety reasons in their hotel rooms.
Barbiebac La Azafata, who is a former cabin crew member with 4.9m followers told Luxury Travel Daily: “While you’re unpacking your skincare, we’re scanning the room like it’s a crime scene, and no, it’s not paranoia.
“It’s instinct – shaped by years of sleeping in unfamiliar places around the world, often alone, often as easy targets.”
In a clip, racking up 2.4m views and 239,000 likes, Barbiebac reveals how you can ensure your safety.
CHECK THE MIRRORS
Her first tip is to inspect the mirror if there’s one present in the room – as it may not be a true reflection of what it is.
She said: “Two-way mirrors exist – like the ones used in interrogation rooms.
“We always do the fingertip test.
“If there’s space between your finger and its reflection, it’s a regular mirror.
“If it touches directly, it could be a problem.”
LOCK UP YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
While many travellers opt to stash their toothbrush in the hotel room bathroom, Barbiebac, from Spain, says that isn’t the safest place.
She said: “We’re not just afraid of theft.
“We’ve heard horror stories of staff using guests’ toothbrushes for disgusting things.
“That’s why many of us store our toothbrushes, medicines and hygiene products in the hotel safe.
“We don’t take any chances with anything that goes in our mouth.”
SECURITY WALK THROUGH
Before relaxing and unwinding, the 32-year-old has a few items to tick off the checklist first.
She said: “Check behind the curtains, under the bed – and under the sheets for bed bugs, and inside closets.
“[Also] behind vents, smoke detectors and alarm clocks.
“Some crew even carry portable devices that detect hidden cameras or unknown signals.
“And when it’s time to sleep, many use extra precautions.
“A portable lock that reinforces the hotel door.
“And a doorstop alarm that screeches if someone forces entry.
“Only then can we really rest.”
REFUSE TO USE
Barbiebac says to avoid freebies in the hotel room as you never truly know who else has touched them – and for what reason.
She said: “Unless it’s sealed, we probably won’t touch it.
“Bathroom cups are often rinsed and not sterilised.
“Comforters and decorative pillows are rarely washed.
“And wall dispensers with shampoo or soap could be refilled – or worse, contaminated.
“Towels and pillowcases are sometimes reused, and toilet paper might not have been changed.
“The kettle – forget it.
“Some people boil noodles or sausages or wash their underwear or [hygiene products] in there.
“We carry our own portable kettle, plus pillowcases and mini towels.”
The next time you stay in a hotel, she says to ask yourself: “What would a flight attendant do?”
Barbiebac added: “We’re not paranoid, we’re experienced.
“Maybe you’ll sleep a little better.”