Frequent travelers often check their hotel room before unpacking their luggage. Flight attendants, however, perform this with a specific, approximately 90-second procedure.

According to CabinCrew24, a website operated by former flight attendants who worked for major airlines in Europe and the Middle East, the "hotel room examination" consists of six steps, completed in under two minutes. This routine developed from years of staying in unfamiliar rooms, in countries with varying fire safety regulations and security levels.

With the room door still open, the first step is to check for anyone else inside. This helps to quickly detect intruders, ensure the hotel has not assigned an occupied room, or confirm that housekeeping has finished cleaning. Keeping the door open also allows for a quick exit if necessary.

A basic hotel room interior includes a bed, desk, and coffee table. Photo: Wondrous lavie

A basic hotel room interior includes a bed, desk, and coffee table. Photo: Wondrous lavie

Next, travelers should spend about 15 seconds inspecting the bathroom, inside the bathtub, the wardrobe, and behind the curtains.

The third step involves identifying the nearest emergency exit. Travelers simply need to check the evacuation map on the back of the room door or the guide panel near the elevator and remember the route; it is not necessary to walk the entire corridor to verify.

The following 20 seconds are for checking the locks on the entrance door and windows. The US Department of State also recommends checking the locks on bathroom doors and any balcony or patio doors to ensure they function normally.

An easily overlooked step is checking the room's landline phone. While mobile phones are common, ensuring the landline works and can make external calls provides an additional communication channel in an emergency.

In the final 10 seconds, flight attendants often place a portable door alarm at the base of the door. This device emits a sound if the door is opened, waking the sleeper or deterring an intruder. This is a handheld device, which many flight attendants purchase and carry during their travels.

Experts also advise travelers to verify who is outside before opening the door, avoid speaking their room number loudly in public hotel lobbies, and keep a flashlight and keys in an easily accessible location.

Anh Minh (According to Travel & Leisure, CabinCrew24)