Airlines generally invest considerable effort to find appropriate accommodations for their flight crews during layovers, so it is both surprising and somewhat humorous when a mix-up occurs. An incident reported by The Sun reveals that British Airways staff faced an awkward situation during their layover in Milan on the night of Thursday, June 12, 2025.

Typically, airlines have established agreements with specific hotels in various cities to ensure their crews have a reliable and safe place to stay. However, unforeseen circumstances such as last-minute cancellations or room shortages can lead to alternative arrangements. In this instance, at least twelve pilots and flight attendants found themselves in a rather unfortunate situation when they were booked into a pay-by-the-hour sex motel instead of their designated hotel.

The insider source described the scene as chaotic and bewildering, noting, “Crew were booked into a pay-by-the-hour sex hotel last Thursday. They were confronted with bondage sets, mirrored ceilings, human dog cages, and leather harnesses. It was obvious that this wasn’t the place the crew was supposed to stay. It was a comical mistake by the hotel booking team, but had serious implications.” Many of the staff members who spent the night in what can only be described as a “sex dungeon” struggled to get any rest, as they were kept awake by the sounds of revelers indulging in debauchery throughout the day and night.

Reports from the crew included disturbing accounts of witnessing drug deals and prostitution, as well as a constant atmosphere of party-like noise, which made it impossible for them to sleep. Some staff even reported finding “suspicious fluids” in their rooms, which understandably caused discomfort. The implications of this mistake were significant; without adequate rest, some crew members were unable to fulfill their duties for British Airways the following day.

In response to the backlash regarding this incident, British Airways released a statement acknowledging the mistake. “A small number of crew were moved to unapproved hotel rooms due to availability issues with our usual provider, without our knowledge. We are urgently investigating to prevent a repeat.” This admission highlights the need for better oversight in hotel bookings, particularly when it comes to the safety and well-being of their crew members.

So how did this booking blunder happen in the first place? The crew was supposed to be reserved at the Mo.om Hotel, which is a standard four-star property. Instead, they were mistakenly booked at Motel Mo.om, an establishment that also claims to hold a four-star rating but is widely recognized as a venue for adult entertainment. One can see how such a mix-up might occur, particularly given the similarity in names; however, one would expect that a simple online search could clarify the nature of each property.

Interestingly, the crew actually spent the night at this unorthodox motel. One might think they would have contacted their hotel support desk for clarification or a different arrangement after realizing where they were booked. To be fair, some of the rooms at Motel Mo.om do appear somewhat normal at first glance. It’s possible that the crew was placed in one of those less flamboyant rooms, leading to confusion until they discovered the reality of their surroundings.

In conclusion, this incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of accurate hotel bookings in the airline industry. British Airways crew members found themselves in an unexpected and surreal situation during their Milan layover when they were accidentally placed in a venue not intended for their stay. The takeaway is a mix of amusement and concern about how frequently such mistakes could potentially occur.