Flight Attendant's Simple Hotel Safety Hack: The Water Bottle Trick
For frequent travellers, cabin crew members are often seen as trusted sources of insider advice, given their extensive experience on the road. One flight attendant's top tip could prove invaluable, especially for solo travellers or those staying in unfamiliar accommodations. Esther Sturrus, who works for Dutch airline KLM and shares travel insights on TikTok, recommends always throwing a water bottle under the bed upon entering a hotel room.
How the Hack Works and Why It Matters
Although incidents are rare, tourists can sometimes be targeted by thieves or intruders, with many travellers opting for extra vigilance in certain countries or in rooms on lower floors. According to Esther, this simple hack allows you to 'check that no one is under the bed without looking,' providing peace of mind if you're feeling wary. She advises rolling the bottle under the bed, emphasising in her video that it 'has to come out on the other side.' If it doesn't, it might be a sign to exercise caution.
However, it's important to note that an obstruction doesn't necessarily indicate a hidden person. It could simply be where spare sheets are stored, or you might not have thrown the bottle hard enough to reach the opposite side. Regardless, performing this quick check doesn't hurt and can help you sleep better, knowing you've done your due diligence for safety.
Reactions and Additional Travel Tips from Cabin Crew
Esther's followers praised the tip on social media, with one person calling it 'super useful.' Another commented that a new fear had been 'unlocked' by the revelation, while a third described it as a 'crazy' though insightful idea. Beyond this safety hack, Esther's other hotel tips are more lighthearted, such as using a hairdryer to clear a steamed-up mirror or poking a hole in a paper cup to hygienically hold a toothbrush.
In related travel advice, Metro previously consulted cabin crew for their insider tips on enhancing flight experiences. Former flight attendant Hannah Murphey, director of Globe Fit Ltd, highlighted that kindness can lead to upgrades: 'A smile and eye contact upon boarding goes a long way. I wanted to go out of my way to ensure that kind passengers have the very best flight.'
For seat selection, experts recommend choosing a spot just forward of the wing for comfort and avoiding areas near toilets or galleys due to noise and smells. Additionally, sitting at the front of the plane not only reduces turbulence sensation but also ensures you get served meals first, increasing the chance of securing your preferred choice.
These tips underscore how small actions, from a water bottle check to a friendly gesture, can significantly improve travel safety and comfort, making journeys more enjoyable and secure for all.
