Flight attendants have a challenging job that requires them to be attentive and provide excellent customer service throughout long flights. Many passengers wonder if flight attendants are allowed to take naps or rest during flights to manage fatigue. This article will explore the regulations around flight attendant rest periods, the facilities for rest they have access to, and how different airlines manage crew fatigue.
Are flight attendants allowed to sleep on the job?
The regulations around flight attendant rest periods vary based on the airline and the length of the flight. Most airlines do allow flight attendants to have scheduled rest periods, especially on longer international flights. However, the specific policies differ.
On shorter domestic or regional flights of 1-2 hours, flight attendants generally do not have the opportunity to sleep. They are expected to provide beverage and snack service and remain vigilant in case of any passenger needs or emergencies.
On longer domestic or international flights of 6 hours or more, flight attendants are usually scheduled for specific rest periods by their airline. Airlines must follow certain FAA regulations for flight attendant duty periods and rest.
FAA Regulations on Flight Attendant Rest
The FAA regulates the following regarding flight attendant rest periods:
- Flight attendants can work no more than 14 duty hours in a 24 hour period
- During that 14 hour duty period, they must have at least 9 hours of rest
- The rest period must be at least 2 hours long and occur between the second and third flight segments
- Rest periods allow for at least 8 uninterrupted hours of sleep opportunity
- For duty periods of more than 14 hours, flight attendants must have at least 12 hours of rest
So in essence, on longer flights with multiple segments, the FAA requires that airlines schedule adequate rest opportunities and breaks for flight attendants. Most airlines factor this into their crewing and staff schedules.
What facilities do flight attendants have for resting on planes?
Most larger wide-body jets have special crew rest facilities built into the plane where flight attendants can rest or sleep during long flights. Different airlines have different names for these crew rest areas:
- Air Canada – Crew Rest Area
- British Airways – Crew Rest Compartment
- Delta – Crew Rest Area
- Emirates – Crew Rest Compartment
- United Airlines – Crew Rest
The crew rest area is separate from the main passenger cabin and access is limited only to the crew. It provides a quiet, dark area with bunks or seats where pilots and flight attendants can rest. Most crew rest areas also have blackout window shades and curtains for darkness.
Amenities in Crew Rest Areas
Crew rest facilities contain bunks, beds, or recliner chairs to allow the crew to sleep. Noise cancelling curtains provide darkness and silence. Other amenities can include:
- Flat beds or bunks with straps or barriers on open sides for safety
- Seatbelts or restraints on beds and chairs
- Reading lights at each bunk or berth
- Personal ventilation outlets for each bed
- Alarms and interphones to allow crew to be alerted for duty
- Storage for crew luggage and personal items
- Washrooms and personal hygiene facilities
- Water and snacks
Having these dedicated crew rest facilities allows flight attendants to take regulated breaks and be well rested on longer journeys.
What do flight attendants do during their rest periods?
Flight attendants have a few options for how to spend their scheduled rest periods during flights:
Sleeping
Most flight attendants will use their rest periods to sleep, especially on red-eye overnight flights. The crew bunks provide a dark, quiet area conducive to sleeping. Flight attendants often equip themselves with eye masks, ear plugs, and other aids to get quality rest. Pilots, flight attendants, and other crew members stagger their breaks, so there are always enough beds available.
Reviewing Airline Policies
Some flight attendants may spend a portion of their break reviewing airline safety protocols, evacuation procedures, and other policies to stay refreshed. Airlines require crew members to be familiar with emergency procedures.
Eating/Rehydrating
Long flights in dry airplane cabins can be dehydrating, so flight attendants may drink water or juices during breaks. Having snacks and meals in the crew rest area allows them to refuel as well. Proper nutrition helps them stay energized and alert.
Personal Time
The breaks also provide personal time for flight attendants to relax, read, or zone out from passenger demands. They may listen to music, meditate, or watch shows on personal devices to unwind and recharge. This personal time is critical for emotional wellbeing when dealing with passengers for 15+ hours.
While they can do personal activities in the crew rest area, flight attendants remain on call in case of emergencies. Proper procedures are in place to wake them if needed for safety reasons.
What are the airline policies for flight attendant breaks?
Airline policies help optimize schedules for flight attendant rest periods and duty times. Here are some common airline policies:
Scheduled Rest Periods
Airlines schedule mandatory rest periods for flight attendants lasting 1.5-2 hours as required by FAA regulations. Flight attendant schedules have planned downtime.
Augmented Crews for Long Flights
For ultra long haul routes over 16 hours, airlines may have augmented crews with backup flight attendants who can relieve the original crew. This allows for fresh coverage.
Rest Facilities Off Limits to Passengers
Airlines prohibit passengers from entering the crew rest areas both for privacy and safety reasons. Only authorized crew can access these facilities.
Sleep Aids Provided
Some airlines may provide sleep aids like eye masks and ear plugs to encourage crew to get quality rest in the crew bunks.
Quiet Hours Enforced
Leading up to and during scheduled breaks, cabin crew manage the passenger cabin to maintain minimal noise and disturbances. Public announcements and food/beverage service are minimized so rest periods are truly quiet.
| Airline | Break Length | Rest Facilities | Sleep Aids |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | 1.5-2 hours | Crew rest compartments on long-haul flights | Yes |
| United | At least 2 hours | Crew rest cabins on Boeing 777 and 787 | Yes |
| American | 1-3 hours depending on length of duty | Lie-flat seats on some planes | No |
| Emirates | 2-4 hours | Luxury crew sleep compartments | Yes |
Proper rest helps flight attendants deliver better service
Allowing flight attendants adequate rest breaks improves their job performance and ability to deliver attentive customer service, including:
- Staying energized and motivated throughout long flights
- Serving passengers and fulfilling requests promptly
- Making safety announcements clearly and confidently
- Reducing fatigue-related mistakes
- Dealing calmly with unruly passengers
- Controlling moodiness or irritability
Studies show that fatigue negatively impacts cognitive functioning. Rest allows flight crews to function at peak mental acuity.
What challenges do flight attendants face around rest periods?
While airline policies mandate rest periods, flight attendants can face challenges getting adequate rest:
Disruptive Passengers
Rowdy or loud passengers can disrupt quiet times needed for napping prior to scheduled breaks. Flight attendants still have to respond to medical issues, conflicts, or safety issues among passengers that can interrupt rest.
Scheduling Disruptions
Mechanical delays to flights can throw off the planned downtime written into flight attendant schedules. Weather diversions or irregular operations also make it hard to predict and achieve rest periods.
Red-Eye Flights
Resting can be difficult on overnight red-eye flights when passengers expect beverage service when they should be sleeping. Working an overnight flight and then having a short rest turnaround to work a morning flight also leads to fatigue.
Shorter Domestic Flights
Most domestic or regional flights under 4-5 hours do not have the ability to provide scheduled rest periods for cabin crew. Flight attendants must power through and stay vigilant.
| Challenge | Impact on Rest |
|---|---|
| Disruptive passengers | Hard to get uninterrupted sleep, noise makes resting difficult |
| Irregular operations | Scheduled rest periods may get delayed or cancelled |
| Red-eyes | Difficulty sleeping during daytime legs, greater fatigue |
| Short flights | No opportunity for breaks |
Conclusion
Most airlines do allow flight attendants scheduled rest periods to improve performance and counter fatigue issues during long flights. However, disruptions and overnight flights can still make achieving proper rest difficult. To deliver the best customer service, airlines should aim to protect flight attendant downtime as much as operationally possible. Well-rested cabin crews are more attentive, energetic, and able to handle safety situations decisively. Ensuring adequate rest facilities and predictable breaks improves the working conditions for flight attendants and also enhances the passenger experience.