- Prioritize safety by checking room locks, inspecting emergency exits, and using security devices like doorstops for added protection.
- Wipe down high-touch surfaces such as remotes and handles to maintain hygiene during your hotel stay.
- Stay organized by unpacking only essentials and designating a specific area for important items like keys and phones.
- Enhance comfort by bringing personal items like sound machines, pillowcases, or humidifiers to make your stay more enjoyable.
- Secure valuables by using in-room safes or locked suitcases to protect important items during your stay.
When it comes to mastering the art of travel, flight attendants are unparalleled. Spending countless nights in hotels worldwide, they’ve developed an array of clever hacks to make each stay as comfortable, efficient, and safe as possible. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone embarking on a much-anticipated trip, learning from the seasoned pros can help you make the most of your hotel stays.
This article will provide you with essential hotel tips from flight attendants that ensure a seamless experience—so you can focus on enjoying your trip, resting up for business meetings, or simply relaxing.
1. Prioritize Safety from the Start
When checking into a hotel, safety is paramount. Flight attendants are trained to keep security top of mind, and their hotel hacks are no exception. Upon arriving in your room, the first thing to do is check the locks. Ensure that both the door’s deadbolt and security latch are functioning properly. Some flight attendants even travel with portable doorstops or small alarms that they place under the door to provide added security while they sleep.
Another widely shared tip is to be discreet when checking in. Never announce your room number out loud; instead, ask the hotel receptionist to write it down for you. This simple precaution helps protect your privacy and keeps others from overhearing your location within the hotel.
2. Thoroughly Check Your Room
Before settling in, it’s wise to take a moment and check your room thoroughly. Flight attendants always make it a habit to inspect the entire room, looking behind curtains, inside closets, and under the bed. This isn’t about being paranoid but about making sure the room is secure and that no unexpected surprises are waiting.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the hotel’s emergency exits. As flight attendants know from their rigorous safety training, being prepared in case of an emergency is critical. Identify where the nearest fire exits are and make a mental note of how many doors are between your room and the exit.
3. Keep It Clean
Flight attendants understand that hotel rooms, while cleaned regularly, are still high-traffic spaces with a lot of touchpoints. That’s why they recommend wiping down the most frequently touched surfaces upon arrival. A small pack of disinfectant wipes can be used to clean areas like the TV remote, door handles, light switches, and faucet handles. This simple step helps ensure that your stay is as hygienic as possible.
Even though most hotels take cleanliness seriously, this extra level of care can prevent you from catching any unwanted germs during your stay, especially if you’re staying in high-occupancy hotels or during peak travel seasons.
4. Stay Organized and Avoid Clutter
Hotel stays can quickly become chaotic if you’re not organized, but flight attendants know how to keep things tidy, no matter how small the space. They suggest unpacking only the essentials—such as toiletries and a change of clothes—while keeping the rest of your items stored in your suitcase. If your hotel room has ample closet or drawer space, feel free to use it, but always pack up the night before you leave to avoid the last-minute rush.
Another great hack is to designate a specific spot for important items like your phone, keys, and wallet. When you’re living out of a suitcase, it’s easy to misplace things, so always put your essentials in one dedicated area of the room to avoid losing track of them.
5. Optimize Your Comfort
Flight attendants, accustomed to the challenges of staying in different places frequently, have learned to bring a touch of home wherever they go. For a more restful sleep, many carry portable sound machines or sleep apps to drown out hallway noise. Some even bring their own pillowcases for added comfort and familiarity. Small touches like these can make an unfamiliar hotel room feel cozier and help you get better rest during your stay.
If you’re sensitive to dry air, consider traveling with a small portable humidifier. Many hotel rooms have air conditioning or heating that can dry out the air, leading to discomfort, especially overnight. A personal humidifier can help you avoid that dry, itchy feeling and make your sleep more pleasant.
6. Eat Smart and Stay Hydrated
One of the challenges of staying in hotels is maintaining healthy eating habits. Many flight attendants bring their own snacks to avoid relying on mini-bars or vending machines. Healthy options like nuts, dried fruit, or protein bars are ideal for keeping hunger at bay, especially if you’re on the go.
Hydration is another key factor, especially when staying in air-conditioned rooms or traveling through different climates. Always carry a reusable water bottle with you and make a habit of drinking water regularly. If you’re concerned about the cleanliness of the tap water, you can use a portable water filter or stock up on bottled water from a local store.
7. Secure Your Valuables
Most hotel rooms have in-room safes, and flight attendants recommend using them for important documents and valuables, such as passports, jewelry, or travel money. If the safe isn’t available or large enough for certain items, consider using a secure lock for your suitcase.
Always be mindful of where you leave your belongings in the room, especially if housekeeping or other staff need access to your space. Keeping valuables tucked away and using in-room safes helps reduce the risk of loss or theft.
By following these flight attendant-approved hacks, your next hotel stay will be more organized, secure, and comfortable. Whether you’re on a business trip or a relaxing vacation, these practical tips can help you make the most of your time away from home.
For those looking for a comprehensive and adaptable training experience, Eton College offers a Flight Attendant Preparation Program. This program equips students with the essential skills, knowledge, and confidence required to meet the demands of the aviation industry and succeed as a flight attendant.
FAQ: Hotel Stays Made Easy
- How can I keep my hotel room safe?
- Always check the locks on your door, use the deadbolt and security latch, and consider bringing a portable doorstop for added safety.
- Should I wipe down surfaces in a hotel room?
- Yes, flight attendants recommend wiping down frequently touched surfaces like TV remotes, light switches, and door handles to reduce exposure to germs.
- How do I stay organized during my hotel stay?
- Unpack only what you need and keep your essentials in one specific spot to avoid losing track of them. Repack the night before checkout to stay ahead of the game.
- What should I bring to improve comfort in a hotel?
- Consider packing a small sound machine or downloading a sleep app to block out noise, and if you’re sensitive to dry air, a portable humidifier can make your stay more comfortable.
- How do I keep my valuables safe in a hotel?
- Use the in-room safe for important documents and valuables, or keep them locked in your suitcase to ensure they’re secure during your stay.
