Unlike the traditional nine-to-five office workers, flight attendants in airlines have flexible working and resting hours depending on their roster and the duration of each flight. So, how do they spend their rest time?
According to the aviation news website “Simple Flying,” during flights, flight attendants are often busy ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. From the moment passengers board, flight attendants actively welcome and assist them in boarding, stowing luggage, and ensuring everyone is seated and buckled up.
Before the aircraft takes off, flight attendants conduct safety demonstrations. After takeoff, they provide meal and beverage services, assist individual passengers, and handle in-flight matters. Additionally, they must monitor cabin safety, conduct checks, and communicate with pilots.
Upon arrival at the destination, flight attendants also need to manage the disembarkation process, guide passengers to leave the aircraft orderly, and ensure no personal belongings are left behind. Despite the unpredictable nature of the entire flight process, flight attendants must remain focused, responsive, proactive, and maintain a high level of professionalism and service during this time.
In addition to these well-known duties, flight attendants also have other tasks to attend to while on duty, such as ensuring clean restrooms with essential supplies and adjusting cabin lighting and music at different stages of the flight.
Amidst the busy workload, flight attendants do have rest periods, but these vary depending on the length of the flight. Sometimes it could be hours long, while other times it could be minimal.
For short-haul flights, flight attendants often stand on their feet and remain on standby from takeoff to landing, ready to provide passengers with the highest level of safety and service.
The galley and cabin on the aircraft are usually bustling, so flight attendants on short-haul flights typically have little time to rest unless it’s a longer short-haul flight, like a 4-hour flight. During such flights, they may have a few minutes to sit on their jump seats, rest, or take turns having some snacks or water.
However, flight attendants typically have to wait until the end of the short-haul flight and upon reaching the ground during layovers to sit down and have a meal. It is during these times that they can get some proper rest.
Long-haul flights are operated by large aircraft, and different aircraft have various types of rest areas. These include crew rest compartments and rest areas, whose locations vary depending on the aircraft model.
Crew rest compartments are further divided into rest areas for pilots and flight attendants. The former is usually located near the cockpit, equipped with beds and reclining seats, while the latter is typically located above the rear galley, with multiple beds for flight attendants to rest in shifts.
In newer aircraft models such as the Boeing 787 or Airbus A350, these rest areas are situated above the main cabin. In older aircraft models like the Airbus A330, they may be located in the cargo hold or within the passenger cabin.
On long-haul flights, flight attendants typically have the opportunity to rest for one to three and a half hours, depending on the flight duration. To ensure a good night’s sleep, many flight attendants bring their pillows and small down comforters that can be stowed in their luggage. Some may even bring pajamas or small hot water bottles.
Sometimes, flight attendants may have a row of seats separated by curtains in the economy cabin, which is not conducive to sleeping. In such cases, they might choose to watch in-flight entertainment or listen to music to relax.
Some flight attendants may not prefer the dim lighting in the crew rest compartments, so they may try to sleep in the jump seats while creating some privacy with curtains. Two jump seats and a few cushions can serve as a temporary bed.
However, not all flight attendants can sleep during their rest period. Instead, some may opt to read, listen to music, or simply close their eyes.
Flight crew members may also take turns resting in their rest areas. If there are no specific crew rest compartments on the aircraft, pilots may sleep in business class seats with curtains drawn.
Usually, about 10 minutes before the end of the flight attendants’ rest period, those who aren’t on rest duty will wake up their colleagues. They can use this time to freshen up by combing their hair, brushing teeth, applying makeup or perfume to rejuvenate themselves before preparing for the landing.