A flight attendant reveals insider tips—Are you making these common mistakes?
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When it comes to travel, we often think about the excitement of new places and the relaxation of a well-deserved break.
But there's an often-overlooked aspect that can make or break your trip.
A former flight attendant, with years of experience in the skies and countless hotel stays, has taken to social media to share her wisdom—and it's turning heads and raising eyebrows.
Barbiebac La Azafata, a seasoned traveler with a following of nearly 5 million on a social media platform, knows a thing or two about staying safe while away from home.
Her advice, while controversial to some, is rooted in a career's worth of caution and vigilance.
So let's unpack these tips and see how they can help you during your next hotel stay.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Starting with the basics, Barbiebac advises a simple test for the mirror in your room. Two-way mirrors, though rare, are a reality, and the fingertip test can offer peace of mind.
Place your finger against the mirror—if there's a gap between your finger and its reflection, you're looking at a standard mirror. If they touch directly, you might have a reason to be concerned.
Your Toothbrush: More Valuable Than You Think
It might seem extreme, but Barbiebac suggests storing your toothbrush, along with any personal hygiene items, in the hotel safe.
Why? Because she's heard stories of hotel staff using guests' toothbrushes inappropriately. While these incidents are not the norm, it's a reminder to protect items that come into close contact with your body.
Also read: Sad skies: Find out the tragedy that happened to an American Airlines attendant on a layover
The Security Sweep
Before you kick off your shoes and relax, consider doing a security sweep of your room. Check behind curtains, under the bed, and even inside closets for any unwelcome surprises.
Look behind vents and smoke detectors for hidden devices. Some travelers even bring gadgets that can detect hidden cameras or signals.
And when it's time to sleep, extra precautions like a portable lock or a door stop alarm can ensure that the only person entering your room is you.
Beware of the Freebies
Those little hotel freebies might not be as innocent as they seem. Barbiebac warns against using unsealed items, as you can't be sure who has touched them or what they've been used for.
She points out that bathroom cups might be rinsed rather than sterilized, and decorative pillows and comforters are rarely washed.
Even the wall-mounted shampoo and soap dispensers could be contaminated. To avoid these pitfalls, consider bringing your own travel-sized toiletries, pillowcases, and towels.
The Kettle Conundrum
Perhaps the most surprising of Barbiebac's tips is to steer clear of the in-room kettle. Some guests have been known to use it for unconventional purposes, like boiling food or even washing clothes and personal items.
To avoid any kettle-related mishaps, you might want to pack a portable kettle for your tea or coffee needs.
Source: @Barbiebac / Youtube.
What Would a Flight Attendant Do?
Barbiebac's parting advice is to ask yourself, “What would a flight attendant do?”
This mindset isn't about paranoia; it's about leveraging the experience of those who travel for a living.
By adopting some of these habits, you might find that you sleep a little more soundly, knowing you've taken steps to protect yourself.
Read next: Flight attendants' secret greeting strategy unveiled—find out why they never miss saying "hello"
Have you ever encountered a safety issue during a hotel stay? Do you have any personal tips or tricks for ensuring a secure and comfortable experience? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
But there's an often-overlooked aspect that can make or break your trip.
A former flight attendant, with years of experience in the skies and countless hotel stays, has taken to social media to share her wisdom—and it's turning heads and raising eyebrows.
Barbiebac La Azafata, a seasoned traveler with a following of nearly 5 million on a social media platform, knows a thing or two about staying safe while away from home.
Her advice, while controversial to some, is rooted in a career's worth of caution and vigilance.
So let's unpack these tips and see how they can help you during your next hotel stay.
An ex-flight attendant, Barbiebac La Azafata, shares her top security tips for hotel stays with her social media followers. Image source: @Barbiebac / Youtube.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Starting with the basics, Barbiebac advises a simple test for the mirror in your room. Two-way mirrors, though rare, are a reality, and the fingertip test can offer peace of mind.
Place your finger against the mirror—if there's a gap between your finger and its reflection, you're looking at a standard mirror. If they touch directly, you might have a reason to be concerned.
Your Toothbrush: More Valuable Than You Think
It might seem extreme, but Barbiebac suggests storing your toothbrush, along with any personal hygiene items, in the hotel safe.
Why? Because she's heard stories of hotel staff using guests' toothbrushes inappropriately. While these incidents are not the norm, it's a reminder to protect items that come into close contact with your body.
Also read: Sad skies: Find out the tragedy that happened to an American Airlines attendant on a layover
The Security Sweep
Before you kick off your shoes and relax, consider doing a security sweep of your room. Check behind curtains, under the bed, and even inside closets for any unwelcome surprises.
Look behind vents and smoke detectors for hidden devices. Some travelers even bring gadgets that can detect hidden cameras or signals.
Key advice includes avoiding hotel freebies, conducting thorough room checks for safety and security, and storing personal items like toothbrushes in the hotel safe. Image source: @Barbiebac / Youtube.
And when it's time to sleep, extra precautions like a portable lock or a door stop alarm can ensure that the only person entering your room is you.
Beware of the Freebies
Those little hotel freebies might not be as innocent as they seem. Barbiebac warns against using unsealed items, as you can't be sure who has touched them or what they've been used for.
She points out that bathroom cups might be rinsed rather than sterilized, and decorative pillows and comforters are rarely washed.
Even the wall-mounted shampoo and soap dispensers could be contaminated. To avoid these pitfalls, consider bringing your own travel-sized toiletries, pillowcases, and towels.
The Kettle Conundrum
Perhaps the most surprising of Barbiebac's tips is to steer clear of the in-room kettle. Some guests have been known to use it for unconventional purposes, like boiling food or even washing clothes and personal items.
To avoid any kettle-related mishaps, you might want to pack a portable kettle for your tea or coffee needs.
Source: @Barbiebac / Youtube.
What Would a Flight Attendant Do?
Barbiebac's parting advice is to ask yourself, “What would a flight attendant do?”
This mindset isn't about paranoia; it's about leveraging the experience of those who travel for a living.
By adopting some of these habits, you might find that you sleep a little more soundly, knowing you've taken steps to protect yourself.
Read next: Flight attendants' secret greeting strategy unveiled—find out why they never miss saying "hello"
Have you ever encountered a safety issue during a hotel stay? Do you have any personal tips or tricks for ensuring a secure and comfortable experience? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
