Resting area for flight attendants on flights.

There is always a crew rest area on the plane, and this area is completely private and invisible to passengers. On large, wide-body aircraft, the rest area for flight attendants and pilots is often designed behind a locked door, restricting passenger access.

Inside the rest room

Depending on the type of aircraft, these areas are usually located above or below the passenger cabin. Crew members often have to climb up or down from their rest areas to reach the small bunk beds.

This accommodation is likened to a "capsule hotel" in Japan, with features such as: no windows, cramped but cozy space, electrical outlets, bedside lamps, an intercom system, oxygen masks, seat belts, etc. The beds are separated by soundproof curtains to block out light and noise, and there are reading lights, ventilation holes, and entertainment systems to help crew members relax.

“Sleeping in the cabins reserved for flight attendants is quite comfortable. However, for taller people, the space inside can be cramped compared to their size. The bunk beds may be wider than sitting in first class, but depending on individual needs, it can be inconvenient or not, for example, feeling stuffy or having less legroom,” shared Susannah Carr, a flight attendant working for United Airlines (USA).

American airline Delta Airlines has allowed reporters access to the passenger quarters on its Airbus A350. The flight attendants' bunk beds are located at the rear of the aircraft, including one for the chief flight attendant. The pilots' rest area is at the front of the aircraft, containing two bunk beds and a reclining seat. On older aircraft, these may be located in the cargo hold or in the main cabin.

Typically, airlines commission the design of their flight attendant rest areas from the manufacturer. The design must comply with specifications and standards set by regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. For example, sleeping quarters usually have six or more beds, are located in areas with minimal noise, odors, and vibrations. Temperature and lighting are adjustable. Each room includes a large mirror so flight attendants and pilots can adjust their attire and check their appearance before returning to work after a few hours of sleep.

The crew takes turns resting.

Flight attendants and pilots take turns resting during shifts on transcontinental flights, which typically last 12 to 18 hours. After their main meal on a long-haul flight, half the flight attendants rest while the other half continue working. The two groups alternate for half the flight. Pilots follow a similar schedule.

Most international airlines provide their cabin crew with rest facilities similar to business class beds. At Delta, each bunk bed comes with Westin Heavenly bedding, while United Airlines uses Saks Fifth Avenue Polaris linens.

On the Boeing 777, a type of aircraft capable of flying continuously for 16-18 hours, the cabin crew's rest area is located above the economy class cabin at the rear of the aircraft. Passengers, of course, never know about this area. United's new Boeing 777-300ER also has two rest areas for flight attendants and pilots, one at the front and one at the rear of the aircraft.

The exterior of this secret room doesn't usually attract much attention from passengers. Carr says many people walk by and mistake it for a wardrobe. In reality, behind the door is a staircase leading up to the rest area, and those who want to use it need a key or code to open it.

A private space for the flight crew.

On average, flight crew members on long-haul flights typically spend at least 10% of their flight time in the rest area. Karoliina Aman, a flight attendant for Finnair (Netherlands) who works on Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft, estimates that she and her colleagues get about 1.5 hours of rest. However, the actual number can be several hours longer depending on the airline and the actual flight time.

"Because the flight crew doesn't have a designated area on the plane for lunch or a break, this rest period is crucial for me to stay alert. This is the only time during the entire flight when we don't have to answer passenger calls or perform any other duties," Aman said. During this rest period, flight attendants can sleep, read, watch movies, or use their phones.

The "secret compartment" is closed during takeoff and landing and is used in shifts, under the supervision and direction of the chief flight attendant. The flight crew is divided in two to take turns serving and resting.

Additionally, pilots typically have a separate rest area above the cockpit, distinct from the flight attendants' quarters. Depending on the flight duration, each aircraft can have up to four pilots. Due to regulations requiring two pilots in the cockpit at all times, the pilot's rest area usually only has two beds, or even just one on older aircraft, and a reclining chair. On larger aircraft like the Boeing 777, pilots have a more spacious private sleeping compartment with two business-class seats, a wardrobe, a sink or toilet, and an entertainment system.

Aleksi Kuosmanen, co-pilot at Finnair, said: “I usually sleep very well in the cockpit. You can adjust the temperature comfortably, the ventilation is excellent and the soundproofing is better. You don’t hear any noise from the passenger cabin, it’s really quiet and comfortable.”

Anh Thi