Travelers are often used to getting their ZZZs on long-haul flights when the cabin lights are dimmed and most entertainment screens go dark. But have you ever wondered where the cabin crew working on your flight get to rest their heads? The answer reveals a part of a plane that most passengers never get to see.
Clips on social media show that on planes, cabin crew have resting quarters tucked away from passenger cabins. Airline workers have an onboard resting area where they can fully lie down, take a nap, rest, and have private time during their break from the job. The beds provided in the crew’s quarters are even outfitted with seatbelts, so staff can stay safe even while they catch some shut-eye.
Simple Flying details that cabin crews’ resting quarters are usually above or below a plane’s passenger cabins. The area is accessed via a private entrance, and the number of beds will depend on the plane type. Aircraft for long-haul flights will usually have multiple bunks individually separated by curtains, some of which are sound and light-absorbing. Each bunk may be climate-controlled and have storage for a crew member’s personal items, earplugs, and/or reading light. Airlines schedule when cabin crew rest on a flight and when they’ll be working, as the crew rotates by shift.
What Else Is There To Know About Where Cabin Crew Sleep During Long Flights?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) all have regulations regarding how much rest cabin crew are entitled to getting on a flight that airlines must adhere to.
Sleeping and resting on long-haul flights is important for cabin crew so they are well prepared to maintain safety on board and serve passengers adequately. Sometimes, pilots may have their own resting area separate from those of other cabin crew.
