diff --git a/earthaccess/search.py b/earthaccess/search.py
index 0fd8e60b..3fd70684 100644
--- a/earthaccess/search.py
+++ b/earthaccess/search.py
@@ -491,6 +491,10 @@ def _valid_state(self) -> bool:
         return True
 
     def _is_cloud_hosted(self, granule: Any) -> bool:
+        """Check if a granule record in CMR advertises "direct access"."""
+        if "RelatedUrls" not in granule["umm"]:
+            return False
+
         direct_def = "GET DATA VIA DIRECT ACCESS"
         for link in granule["umm"]["RelatedUrls"]:
             if "protected" in link["URL"] or link["Type"] == direct_def: