3.05.23 – Layover Security Concerns

Sunday, March 5, 2023

Layover Security Concerns

Crime and violence are possible everywhere we travel, even in the least suspecting areas of the United States. That is why we ask more than ever to exercise caution on all layovers.

Recently, two of our APFA colleagues were victims of violent crimes while on layover in Jamaica, and this is following an uptick in activity targeted against foreign visitors to the country.

The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica has been informed of several crimes against United States citizens targeted through dating apps. These apps are being used to lure foreign visitors into meeting in public spaces such as hotels, restaurants, and bars, and then later assaulting, threatening, and/or robbing the victims. Local officials often do not make arrests or prosecute assailants in these cases.

The full message from the U.S. Embassy pertaining to travelers for Jamaica can be found here: https://jm.usembassy.gov/security-alert-criminal-organizations-exploiting-dating-apps-to-target-foreign-travelers/

Please never reveal the name and location of our layover hotels on social media or on dating apps. Inviting strangers into your private and safe space within your hotel rooms may open the door for you to be placed in an unsafe and possibly life-threatening situation.

Flight crew and American tourists are often targets for crime abroad, but even in the United States, layover security should never be taken lightly.

Please utilize caution when leaving your hotel rooms, lock your belongings in the hotel provided safe, and always ensure that someone on your crew has your contact information should you choose to venture out on your layover.

Please use extreme caution when venturing out alone, and consider letting a member of your crew know your plans.

In Solidarity,

Andrew Rhinehart
APFA National Safety & Security Department Interim Chair
[email protected]