Ever heard of crew bunk? That's where flight attendants and pilots sleep
If you are used to traveling in Europe, taking an average of two to four hours to reach your destination, [...]
If you are used to traveling in Europe, taking an average of two to four hours to reach your destination, you probably have never asked yourself a question: Where do flight attendants and pilots sleep? They certainly do not need to do this on short routes, but needs change radically when it comes to travel outside their own continent. It would be unthinkable to expect them to continuous, non-stop service, remaining vigilant and at the service of passengers for more than 10/12/18 hours.
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It goes without saying that there are shifts within the crew so that the cockpit is never left unassisted, but everyone, sooner or later, is expected to sleep.
Where the stewardesses sleep
Hostesses and stewards have access to rooms forbidden to the public, present on board aircraft engaged in long-haul travel. As a matter of image and, at the same time, guaranteed privacy for employees, airlines are required to ensure that they are in areas away from the public as much as possible. This is where flight attendants take turns disappearing during intercontinental flights.
On aircraft designed for long haul there are reserved spaces that are actual cabins. Staff can recharge their batteries here in preparation for the next morning. The spaces are obviously small, but there is a tendency to ensure a certain standard of comfort. For example, space is greater than what is offered to passengers with a economy ticket. There is indeed more legroom. Not only bunks reserved for the crew, also toilets excluded to passengers. It would be unthinkable to share such space.
Where the flight attendants' cabins are.
Wanting to go into detail, in most cases. secret crew cabins are located behind the pilots' cockpits, above first class. In some action films, where a plane is hijacked, these cramped spaces are shown, also highlighting how stairs or secret passages are well hidden from the view of travelers. Generally a small door is enough to hide everything.
Know that under no circumstances will you find yourself in there by mistake. It is hard to imagine that the staff will let you get that far. Even assuming you do, however, passage requires a code or possession of a key.
We were talking about cramped spaces but beds as comfortable as possible. Every inch is made the most of, jamming even a dozen or so bunks into the designated area. There are no windows and generally beds range from a minimum of six to a maximum of ten. The layout includes cabins side by side, divided by curtains, or bunk bunks. Hostesses and stewards are provided with a closet and sink, and usually reading lights, hooks, blankets, pillows, and mirrors. There is also no shortage of companies that provide pajamas for the crew.
Where pilots sleep
We have seen where stewardesses and stewards rest, but is the converse identical for pilots? In the jargon we talk about crew bunk, that is, of the space reserved for cabin crew. During a long flight, exceeding 9 hours, it is expected to the addition of one more member, so that they can rest in turn. In the case of even longer routes, a fourth sailing member is also expected to be on board.
Two bunks and a chair are provided for them, so they can actually sleep or rest. An area located above the passenger cabin at the front of the aircraft. From this restricted area it is also possible to communicate with the cabin crew via telephone connection.
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