While passengers typically sleep in their seats on long-haul flights, few know where the cabin crew rest – but a TUI flight attendant has offered a rare behind-the-scenes look
A TUI air hostess has lifted the curtain on a little-known aspect of aviation by showing where cabin crew staff sleep on long haul flights. Experienced travellers will be well-versed in the hierarchy of airline seating from economy to first class, with the latter two offering flat-bed luxury.
However, for some passengers it’s a mystery as to where the flight attendants rest during these lengthy journeys. Charlie Silver, an air hostess with TUI, took to TikTok to give a glimpse into the resting place for staff onboard planes. In her video, she walks through a hidden door near the galley and climbs a ladder to a snug sleeping area above the main cabin.
She reveals: “This is our crew bunks and we have six of these little beds located on our 787 Dreamliners.” She goes onto describe how each crew member receives a ‘bunk kit’ for their break, complete with a pillowcase, mattress topper, and blanket.
Charlie admits that making up these compact beds isn’t straightforward due to the cramped conditions.
The flight attendant shared: “Some crew can’t sleep up here but even if you’re not going to sleep sometimes it’s just a nice little escape from everyone.
“I, personally, can sleep and I think it’s just the sound of the plane that just soothes me.”
Ensuring her safety, she always fastens her seatbelt over the blanket in case of any unexpected turbulence. The bunks also usually come with reading lights for convenience.
Charlie further revealed that these snug spaces are where crew members can “have a little nap at 40,000 feet somewhere across the Atlantic”.
After take-off, rest periods are scheduled and rotated among the crew to ensure everyone gets a chance to recharge.
As per Cabin Crew Wings, on flights ranging from 8 to 12 hours, staff might be allocated an hour or two for their rest break.
On ultra-long-haul flights (those exceeding 12 hours), they are often given up to four hours to rejuvenate and be ready to help passengers.
Cabin Crew 24 reveals that passengers “rarely know about these spaces as they are often hidden from view”.
Despite being compact, these compartments provide enough comfort for crew members during their breaks.
They come equipped with essentials like privacy curtains and ventilation systems.
The website also emphasises that rest for cabin crew is a “critical part of ensuring the safety and efficiency of the flight”.
This is because the onboard staff have numerous responsibilities, including handling emergencies and providing customer service.
Charlie’s TikTok video, offering a peek into where TUI cabin crew members catch some shut-eye, has garnered more than 30,000 likes and nearly 200 comments.
One person remarked: “I’d pay good money to have one of these instead of a normal seat.” Another chimed in: “Gosh I’d feel very claustrophobic.”
A third expressed their astonishment, saying: “Why have I travelled long haul millions of times with TUI and never knew about these.”
Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “Been on a TUI 787 many times, where on Earth is this located on the plane?!?!” To which Charlie responded: “At the back most people think it’s a toilet!”