The pilots work on long-haul flights. They rest in secret on the plane.
I went to the secret area where pilots sleep and relax on an Air New Zealand plane.
It was the best spot on the plane with lots of room, beds, and recliners.
It takes twelve hours to get on a plane. It's even more difficult when you have to fly the aircraft. Multiple pilots are onboard who work in shifts.
When a pilot is not in the cockpit, they rest in secret rooms on the aircraft.
Most people don't see the part of the plane that I gained access to on the Air New Zealand flight.
I flew to New Zealand from Los Angeles. There are 8 mistakes I made and what I will do differently on my flight back.
The in-service flight manager greeted me in business class on the plane.
We walked past rows of lie-flat seats in business class on the plane.
Air New Zealand's future plane cabin has bunk beds in economy and wireless charging in business class. You should take a look.
The cockpit was visible from the galley. There were no signs or doors that said the pilot's rest area.
The doorways to the room are hidden so passengers don't disturb the resting pilots.
A secret code was entered and the door was unlocked.
There was a staircase behind the door. The room that I entered was so large that I was shocked to find it.
The room had enough room for two reclining chairs and two beds even though I couldn't fully stand.
Four pilots split their time between the cockpit and rest area on long haul flights. At any point during the flight, there must be at least two pilots in the cockpit.
The conversation is from The Conversation.
Like flight attendants, pilots take their breaks in 2-hour slots, but the captain of the flight decides when the breaks happen. When the pilots are on a break, they can either spend their time in the recliner, in a bunk-style bed, or both.
There is a hidden room where flight attendants sleep on long haul flights. The beds were small and comfortable.
Seat belts are always on when they rest.
The pilots have a TV near their recliners. The setup was very similar to mine. There was a plug, temperature control panel, and cupholders nearby.
There is a phone between the seats that the pilots can use to talk to the cockpit.
Two beds are behind the seats.
Each of the narrow beds has a curtain that blocks out light.
There were two sets of blankets and pillows that looked similar to the ones I received in my business class seat. I thought the mattress on the bed was comfortable to sleep on.
There are more cupholders along the edge of the bed, as well as a control panel for the lights and air flow.
I saw a wardrobe as I descended the stairs. The pilots store part of their uniforms in that location.
I thought the pilot's room was more luxurious than my business class seat. They had a bigger bed than my lie-flat one.
Those perks were earned. I slept better knowing that the pilots had a place to rest and recuperate.
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