See inside the secret aircraft cabin where flight attendants sleep on long-haul journeys on an Airbus A350

A350 flight attendant rest area.Taylor Rains/Insider

• The US Federal Aviation Administration governs the minimum rest time pilots and flight attendants get between shifts.
• Flight attendant crew rest is on track to increase to 10 hours, pending the outcome of a proposed FAA rule.

Flying can be exhausting for passengers and even more so for airline crew members.

Norse Atlantic Airways

In the US, the Federal Aviation Administration has mandated laws to ensure pilots and flight attendants get ample rest before flights.

Southwest Airlines

This includes requiring airlines to give crews a "minimum rest time," which is 10 hours for pilots and nine hours for flight attendants on domestic routes, under most circumstances.

Airline pilot walking through an airport.      Taylor Rains/Insider

However, the rest time can vary depending on the crew member's "scheduled flight time," which is defined as "when an aircraft moves under its own power for the purpose of flight and ends when the aircraft comes to rest after landing."

An American Airlines pilot says passengers "deserve better," than being asked to get off the plane after boarding.      Robert Alexander/Getty Images

The current minimum rest rule was implemented in December 2011, nearly three years after the crash of Colgan Air flight 3407 in Buffalo, New York, that killed 50 people.

Crash site of Colgan Air Flight 3407.      Reuters

Source: CNN Travel

The National Transportation Safety Board determined pilot fatigue was a contributing factor to the accident. Both pilots commuted lengthy distances to get to their base in Newark, New Jersey, cutting into their rest time.

The Colgan crash involved a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 turboprop aircraft operated by Continental Airlines.      Reuters

Source: CNN Travel, The New York Times

In November 2021, the FAA proposed flight attendant minimum rest should be increased to 10 hours to "reduce fatigue so they can perform" their "critical [safety] role." As of August 4, the proposal has been sent to the US Office of Management and Budget for finalization.

Flight attendant at Denver International Airport.      Robert Alexander/Getty Images

Source: FAA, AFA

With the increase in long-haul flying post-pandemic, as well as ultra-long flights journeying up to 19 hours, crew rest is essential.

Singapore Airlines flies 19 hours nonstop from New York to Singapore.      KITTIKUN YOKSAP/Shutterstock

Singapore Airlines just relaunched the world's second-longest flight which connects the country to NYC — see the 'wellness meals' the carrier serves onboard the 19-hour flight

Crews flying domestic legs will typically rest at a hotel or at home between shifts, but on longer flights, both pilots and flight attendants have designated crew rest areas where they can sleep or relax enroute.

Crew rest area on Scandinavian Airlines' Airbus A350-900 XWB.      Thomas Pallini/Insider

The rest area for pilots is typically in the front of the plane near or above the cockpit. On Qatar's Boeing 787, the space has an armchair…

The staircase leads to a small room containing a chair, and two bunks.      Stephen Jones / Business Insider

See inside the secret Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin where pilots sleep during long-haul flights

…two bunks with curtains, storage, light, and cupholders…

Each bunk has its own area for pilots to leave their personal items      Stephen Jones / Insider

…and a phone, which is stationed by both the chair and beds so pilots can speak to the cockpit in case of an emergency.

Each bunk has a phone to enable pilots to speak to those in the cockpit while they're resting during long haul flights.      Stephen Jones / Insider

Meanwhile, flight attendant crew rest is typically separate and located towards the back of the aircraft.

Crew rest area on Scandinavian Airlines' Airbus A350-900 XWB.      Thomas Pallini/Insider

On some planes, like United's Boeing 767-300ER and Air Canada's 787, a row of seats are blocked off for flight attendant rest. On United, the seats have legrests.

Flying on United's 767-300ER.      Taylor Rains/Insider

I flew on United's aging Boeing 767-300ER from Boston to London in economy and the updated cabin made the plane feel like new

JetBlue also designates a row of seats in the back of its Airbus A321neoLR narrowbody jet for flight attendants and a Mint suite in the front for pilots.

The last row in Mint is reserved as crew rest.      Thomas Pallini/Insider

Source: The Points Guy, I flew JetBlue's new London to New York route in Mint business class. It's a premium leisure traveler's dream but some kinks need to be ironed out.

However, many widebody aircraft have a separate room hidden from passengers where crew members can relax in private. On ITA Airways' Airbus A350, this area is at the back of the plane and is accessed via a staircase from the galley.

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider

I toured the space and was surprised at how big and cozy it was — take a look inside.

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider

Climbing into the room, I first saw an open area with a closet and flashlight…

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider

…a mirror…

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider

…and a phone to communicate with the working crew.

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider

This space was separate from the eight bunks scattered throughout the cabin, which includes three beds on the left…

A350 flight attendant rest area.      Taylor Rains/Insider

…two in the center…

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider

…and three in the far back. This section has less overhead light than the middle and left-side bunks.

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider

Under each center bunk is a designated space for bags and other necessities.

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider

The center beds also have a barrier, which could be used for extra storage or for people who tend to toss and turn when sleeping, so they don't fall off the twin bed.

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider

There are also smaller storage compartments inside the bunks themselves, as well as mesh pockets.

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider

Also offered at each bunk is a personal reading light and a belt to hold items in place…

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider

…a seatbelt for flight attendants when they sleep…

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider

…and power outlets.

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider

The bunks offer privacy and comfort with curtains and cushioned mattresses.

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider

The bunks on the far left and back of the cabin are further separated by walls in between, creating a fully enclosed pod for crew members.

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider

Trying out the bunks, I found them extremely cozy, with plenty of space to lie down, sit, or relax.

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider

While it's no business class, the private room seems to be a good place to escape passengers and work on long-haul journeys.

Touring the flight attendant rest area on ITA's A350.      Taylor Rains/Insider