I have always been a crazy fan of “window seat", be it flight, train even in bus. I love looking out the window, observing and enjoying every place/scenery I pass through. Whatever exciting it is, eventually after a few hours of staring outside, I too get tired and fall asleep. So, I often wonder how do these flight attendants work so brisk such a long time? Will they ever sleep during flight?
For example, the Air India's non-stop flights from New Delhi to San Francisco or Los Angeles, which are really ultra-long haul, often flying more than 18 hours non-stop. It’s not possible for any human to actively work for such a long time. Isn’t?
Have you also ever wondered where flight attendants sleep during a (long) flight? Here’s the answer: “Just look up!“, because above your seat there is another compartment, where the flight attendants can relax and sleep in peace. And there they do not have to squeeze themselves in uneasiness: these rest compartments are ultra-modern and the cabin crew can relax a lot more comfortable than you in a Business class😉.
I just learnt that, if a flight lasts longer than 10.5 hours, flight attendants (also pilots) are legally obliged to peaceful rest – Of course for the safety of everyoneJ. There are always enough additional crew members available on-board to change in shifts, usually after every 4 hours.
SO WHERE'S THE SECRET SPOT?
By the way, not all sleeper cabins are above the passengers; it depends on the aircraft model. But more than 90% of the airlines has these compartments just above the passenger seats. Crew members have to climb a stair or (open a hatch-stairs) to reach the sleep cabins. Business Insidershows what's hidden from the end of that staircase.
Check the link to the <Business Insider page where you can find more pictures.
Usually, these sleep cabins are equipped with up to ten beds, separated from each other by a curtains / walls. Usually, this area is window-less, but high-end aircrafts do have windows for these beds too. There’s space for personal storage and some sleeper cabins even have built-in TV and audio. Pilots have their own much larger space with a bed, a business class chair and a sink with a closet.
Passengers are not allowed to enter the crew rest area; mostly you can see billboards on-the doors, stating “Passengers are strictly restricted”. However, this area is not as sensitive / high-risk area as the cock-pits. So you still can check your luck; If you speak nicely to the crew, they may let you to sneak-in 😛.