The Secret World of Airplane Crew Rest Compartments

You may be curious about whether flight attendants on 10 to 16-hour flights get any rest and, if so, where they do so. International airlines like Philippine Airlines ensure their crew receives sufficient rest during long haul flights by employing two sets of cabin crew on a shift rotation, maintaining a fully crewed cabin at all times. The cabin crew members can retreat to the hidden world of crew rest compartments, a secret sanctuary away from passengers’ view, where they can take breaks and recharge with some sleep.

Let’s explore the location and appearance of these crew rest compartments to gain a better understanding of these hidden spaces.

The Hidden Sanctuaries: Crew Rest Compartments

A crew rest compartment is a dedicated area on an airliner, usually located above or adjacent to the passenger compartment, meant for crew members to take breaks and sleep during long flights. These compartments are typically segregated, with separate sections for flight crew and cabin crew members.

These hidden sanctuaries are essential during long-haul flights, where crew members need to stay refreshed and alert. Federal Aviation Regulations mandate that crew rest areas be provided for long flights operated with multiple crew shifts. However, passengers are not allowed access to these compartments, which are often secured with locks and may require climbing a ladder to enter.

Operating Restrictions

Crew rest compartments are generally off-limits during taxi, takeoff, and landing maneuvers (TT&L). However, an exception may be made for in-flight crew rests with standard seats, allowing seated crew members to use them during TT&L.

The FAA Rest Facility Classifications

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) categorizes crew rest facilities into three classes based on the number of crew members and flight duration:

1. Class 1 rest facility: This highest class requires a physically separated area from the cockpit and passenger cabin, containing bunks or other flat areas for sleeping, along with sound and lighting isolation provisions.
2. Class 2 rest facility: This class mandates at least a lie-flat seat and separation from passengers using a curtain.
3. Class 3 rest facility: The lowest class only requires a cabin seat that can recline and has foot support.

International Consistency in Crew Rest Design

Crew rest design and safety considerations are similar among international regulators, such as the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Regulations concerning access control, communications, and signage are comparable to those of the FAA. By adhering to Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements, which prevent contradictory minimum specifications, aircraft manufacturers can design crew rest compartments that meet requirements across multiple markets.

The next time you’re on a long-haul flight, you can rest assured knowing that the hardworking crew members have their own hidden retreat to recharge and maintain their high level of service.