You might not be surprised to discover that flight attendants are humans who need sleep and breaks, too, but we bet you never knew just where they go to relax.
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Most Boeing 777 and 787 airplanes have a secret stairway leading to windowless bedrooms for the cabin crew that few people even know about.
It varies from plane to plane, but most crew areas are tucked away behind the cockpit and above first class, like on this Boeing 777.
And behind a discreet little door you’ll find a set of secret steps.
Or a tiny ladder (we don’t fancy scrambling up that in heels).
And you’ll find a snug little space for the cabin crew to hang out (but not stand up).
They aren’t always bunks, as some beds are these partitioned berths.
With heavy curtains for sound-proofing.
Or this cozy giant bed arrangement.
They usually have a sink and a toilet as well as a personal storage area, depending on the airline, and some have pajamas and reading lights.
And some have these cramped-looking sleeping nooks, on a Malaysian Air A830.
This is the sign for the secret door that we bet you’ve missed on every flight.
And they’re very strict that only ONE person may be in each bunk. What do the cabin crew get up to, we wonder…
Some cabins have an extra secret hatch that looks like an overhead luggage bin, where cabin crew will pop in and out. This is an American Airline’s Boeing 773.
Crew areas can fit up to 10 bunks, although you might not be able to move much.
And while some fancy airlines have entertainment systems for the crew, most have standard open-plan bunks like this.
This cabin, on Singapore’s Airbus A380, looks a bit more private but super small.
We’ll never complain about our pokey little staff room again…