Ever wondered how flight attendants stay refreshed during marathon 17-hour flights? The secret lies in hidden sleeping quarters onboard that passengers never see, as revealed by cabin crew member Bryan in a viral social media post.
The Secret Staircase to a Rest Zone
In a video shared on his Instagram account @yep_thats.meee, Bryan answered a common passenger question: where does the crew sleep on ultra-long journeys? After changing from his formal uniform into comfortable pyjamas, he walked up a staircase, emphasising this was "a place where NO passenger is allowed."
He then entered the Crew Rest Compartment (CRC), a long corridor lined with individual sleeping pods separated by dark curtains. The setup resembles a compact, efficient dormitory in the sky.
Inside the Sky-High Bunk Beds
The footage showed clean pillows and bedding securely strapped to the bed with a seatbelt. Bryan explained the crucial safety rule: "We even have seat belts and it must be fastened when sleeping (in case of turbulence)." After switching on overhead lights and settling in, he drew the privacy curtains.
Surprisingly, the rest area isn't just a spartan bunk. Bryan highlighted access to a small television screen offering "endless entertainment" for crew during their rest periods.
Reaction and a Second Look from TUI Crew
The revelation astonished many travellers. One social media user commented, "I don’t need any first class luxury, I just want that," while another quipped, "Wow that’s how you look refreshed and we look crazy."
Another perspective came from Charlie Silver, a UK-based flight attendant for TUI. On her TikTok account @silvercharlie, she posted a clip titled "Sleeping at 40,000ft in the sky," giving a closer look at the cosy bunks. She confirmed they are located above the main cabin and are specifically designed for crew rest.
These hidden compartments, often stacked vertically, allow several crew members and pilots to rest simultaneously, with staff normally taking turns. Features can vary but may include:
- Privacy curtains and reading lights
- Personal storage space
- In-flight entertainment systems
- Individual climate control
The dedicated rest area is a vital part of aviation safety protocol, ensuring cabin crew on long-haul routes can take regulated breaks and return to their duties refreshed and alert.
