Flying long-haul can be a pain for passengers. You just want to be off that plane as quick as possible and at your destination. There's the issue of legroom, boredom, food and, of course, sleep. But what about those who are working on the flight? The cabin crew?
At times of unrest they must remain calm, stay polite, and NEVER be seen yawning. But surely, at some point, they have to retire and kip?
Well, now Virgin Australia staff have revealed just where their crew sleep on such lengthy international flights. Ok, it's no five-star Ritz, but it's better than those at the back of the plane in economy.
Credit: Virgin Australia
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For Virgin Australia, 'ultra-long haul' flights are classified as anything as long, or greater than, the distance from Oz to the US. It's during these trips where staff need to be at their sharpest.
Virgin shared the images of the sleeping quarters which are on a secret level between the business and economy class cabins on a Boeing 777-300ER.
The photos help provide an insight into a world that passengers often would either forget about, or not even consider at all.
The airline said: "Given flights can be up to 15 hours in duration, it's important for our flight and cabin crew to rest during the flight to be at their best when operating aircraft and serving our guests.
To achieve this, our crew will retire to two designated crew rest areas in shifts during the flight in order to rest for around four hours on a flight like Sydney to Los Angeles."
Pilots can sleep in one of two beds located on either side of the plane, while the cabin crew get a choice of eight single beds with sheets, blankets and comfortable pillows. Crew will hang their uniforms outside the bunk to let crew know who is where.
Credit: Virgin Australia
Credit: Virgin Australia
Credit: Virgin Australia
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The beds are around 6ft in length and do seem a little cramped, but it does allow the flight staff to stretch out during shifts that, on average, are 15 hours long. And, if they don't feel like sleeping, then they get all the same entertainment as the passengers.
Flying, for many, can be a scary experience, but earlier this year, Easyjet pilot Chris Forster told the Liverpool Echo that there is hardly anything to worry about.
From using your mobile phone, to turbulence and equipment failure, Chris said there is nothing to be scared of as freak events very rarely happen.
So, you can breathe, and relax, in the knowledge that both you, and the staff helping you, are well looked after.
Featured Image Credit: Virgin Australia / InstagramTopics: Flying