Audio By Carbonatix
Ever wondered where the cabin crew can rest their heads during gruelling long-haul flights?
On Boeing 777 and 787 planes, there is often a hidden stairway leading to the flat beds.
Taking a walk up a secret staircase reveals an entire chamber on the plane where crewmembers can have a quick snooze.

The hidden staircase is usually tucked away at the rear of the plane
Even though the bed area is roomy, it’s unlikely that even frequent flyers would have noticed the entrance before.
To get into the bed chamber, staff have to climb up a narrow staircase concealed behind a door, normally at the rear of the planes.
Before they get into the compartment, they normally need a special key or passcode.

Keying in a specific passcode allows crew up into the roomy-looking chamber Getty Images

Only one cabin crewmember can occupy each bed at a time Getty Images
The separate flat beds are cramped together to allow an average of eight members of staff to nap at one time.
Each bed is kept cosy with a blanket and some soft pillows, but the seatbelt that is pulled across serves as a reminder that the crew will be sleeping at thousands of miles in the air.
On some of the planes, entertainment systems have been fitted into the secret room to allow staff some time to wind down.

Some of the crew rooms have entertainment systems fitted into them Getty Images

As comfy as the beds look, a flight attendant revealed that it can be like sleeping in a 'coffin' Boeing
It seems that it’d be difficult to get up to any mischief in the secret bedrooms, as regulations ensure that only one cabin member is allowed in each bunk, which typically stretches 6ft long by 2.5ft wide.
For health and safety reasons, the crew aren’t allowed in the beds during take-off and landing.
As comfy as the secret bedroom looks, it seems that sleeping conditions can sometimes get a bit claustrophobic.
A British Airways flight attendant told MailOnline Travel: “On the Boeing 747s it is all bunk beds and on the 777 it feels like you are in a coffin.
“They are cramped but you can make it comfortable as you get a blanket and a pillow.
“I always take my own pajamas and I make a little bed up. I sometimes try to take pillows and blankets from business class if they aren't in use.
“It's very basic, some have TVs but they are tiny, smaller than iPad minis.”
Latest Stories
-
Police to enforce ban on unauthorised use of sirens and strobe lights
9 minutes -
Newsfile to discuss Kpandai rerun halt, Ofori-Atta’s extradition fight, and Bawku Mediation Report
52 minutes -
Between imperialism and military rule: The choiceless political reality in West Africa
55 minutes -
One killed, 13 injured in head-on collision at Ho
1 hour -
Techiman Police arrests three suspects in drug-related activities
1 hour -
John Kumah’s widow, Lilian Owusu remarries
1 hour -
Mastercard boosts Africa acceptance network by 45% in 2025, accelerating the continent’s digital economy
2 hours -
GNFS to clamp down on traders blocking Fire Hydrants after Cantoments Barracks blaze
2 hours -
Minority raises concerns over revised lithium agreement
2 hours -
Developing countries paid more in debt service in 2025 – World Bank
2 hours -
Education Minister raises concern over prolonged CETAG strike
2 hours -
MUSIGA Greater Accra names AMISTY GH Discovery Artist of the Year
2 hours -
Vice President honours Nkrumah’s photographer, Chris Hesse, for safeguarding national memory
2 hours -
3 arrested for impersonating Speaker, IGP on social media
2 hours -
BoG to tighten monetary policy in half-year 2026
2 hours
