Flight attendants say they use a brief pre-unpacking routine they call a “hotel room autopsy” to check for potential hazards before settling into a hotel room. The commonly described process takes about 90 seconds and focuses on basic security and emergency-safety items.
Across outlets, the routine is presented as a set of six steps. While specific details vary in emphasis, both accounts describe checking that the room is secure, including looking at door locks and scanning the room for safety concerns such as intruders. They also highlight checking for key emergency-related features such as escape options (including locating emergency exits) before the person relaxes or puts belongings away.
The context offered is that flight attendants frequently stay in hotels during work travel and develop personal habits for risk awareness. The coverage frames the routine as guidance for regular travelers who want a fast, practical way to assess their room’s safety early, rather than waiting until later. Neither outlet reports a specific incident tied to the routine; it is described as a general precautionary practice.
