• A layover is a time when the cabin crew can take a break from their duties and rest.
• Depending on the destination, they will be given a layover in a hotel to stay.
• The main purpose of a cabin crew layover is to give the members a chance to rest, especially those who work long flights or multiple flights in one day.
• There are two types of cabin crew layovers- short (less than 24 hours) and long (more than 24 hours).

A layover is an important part of a flight attendant’s job. A cabin crew layover is a time when the crew can get some sleep, take a break from their duties, and rest. Depending on the destination, they will be given a layover in a hotel in which to stay. The cabin crew may also have free time to travel and explore the local area.

A cabin crew layover can be a good opportunity for the crew to relax and recharge before their next flight. It is important for them to get enough rest so that they can perform their duties properly. A cabin crew member’s job is demanding and often requires long hours. A layover gives them a chance to rest and recover from their work schedule.

Layovers can vary in length, depending on the airline’s policy. Some airlines allow for longer layovers, while others may only give a few hours. It is important for cabin crew members to plan ahead so that they can make the most of their time off.

What is a layover for cabin crews?

A cabin crew layover is a time when the crew can take a break from their duties and rest. Depending on the destination and the location, they will be given a layover in a hotel in which to stay. The cabin crew may also have free time to explore the local area.

Cabin crew members often use their layover time to sleep, as they may not have had a chance to sleep on the plane. They may also use this time to eat and relax, as well as to get ready for their next flight.

Why do Cabin Crews have layovers?

The main purpose of a cabin crew layover is to give the cabin crew members a chance to rest. This is especially important for those who work long flights or multiple flights in one day.

The global consensus for regular employees in different countries have work shifts between 8-10 hours. After they are done for the day, they go home, do other things, and have their personal time.

As cabin crews, given that they work crazy schedules, they also need to rest. When operating a 7-hour flight, it is not legal to have them prepare and work immediately for another flight. Cabin crews are not robots, after all.

On another note, a layover can also be used to do some sightseeing or to get some shopping done.

What are the types of cabin crew layovers?

There are two types of cabin crew layovers- short and long.

A short layover is defined as less than 24 hours. This means that the cabin crew has less than 24 hours to rest before their next flight.

A long layover is anything more than 24 hours. This gives the cabin crew ample time to rest and explore the destination before their next flight.

What to Expect in a Layover

Flight attendants usually are provided a hotel stay for at least one night during their layovers. They also get a layover allowance commonly called a “Per Diem allowance” allowance per day. They can use this allowance to purchase food and essentials to be consumed during their day.

Flight attendants also get hotel discounts on the partner hotel. If you are a crew member, make sure to ask your airline’s HR about the hotel discounts that you are entitled to.

On some airlines, they might also offer a “home-base” where the crew can stay during their off days or between flights. This is especially useful for those who are based in another city or country away from their home countries.

What Are The Pros and Cons of Layovers?

Like everything else in life, there are pros and cons to having layovers.

Pros

• It’s a great opportunity to see new places! If you’re constantly flying to the same destination, a layover is a chance to explore a new place.
• You get paid to travel! Not everyone can say they get paid to travel the world.
• You meet new people from all over the world.
• You get to stay in a partner hotel (many of these are 5-star hotels).

Cons

• It can be tiring, especially if you have multiple flights in one day.
• It can be expensive, as you often have to pay for your own food and accommodation.
• You can’t always plan your layovers, so you might end up in a place you don’t want to be.

What is the cabin crew layover schedule like?

The cabin crew layover schedule can vary depending on the airline and the destination. Some airlines may have their cabin crew members stay for several days at a time, while others may only allow for a few hours of rest.

It is important to check with your airline before you book your flights to see what their policy is.

Some airlines will have a cabin crew base where they live and work from. For those who are based in another city or country, they might have a cabin crew hotel where they can stay during their layover.

Cabin Crew Roster and Layover Schedule

Most cabin crew layovers are scheduled in advance by the airline. This allows the airline to plan for the cabin crew members’ time off and make sure that there are enough crew members available to work the next flight.

The cabin crew roster is a schedule that shows when each member of the crew is working and when they are on their layover. It is important for the crew to follow the schedule so that they can get the proper amount of rest.

Cabin Crew Instagram and Vloggers

If you follow flight attendants on Instagram, this is where you might see many of them taking advantage and maximizing their layovers. Some flight attendants use their layover time to travel and explore the destination. They may also use this time to do some shopping or to eat at local restaurants.

Some cabin crew members have even started vlogging about their experiences as flight attendant. This can be a great way to learn more about what it is like to work as a cabin crew member and to see the different places that they get to visit.

However, please take be careful about the social media policies and rules of your airline as they may have strict rules about what you can and cannot post on social media. This is especially true for those who reveal their identity and the airline they work for.

Usually, if it’s a general positive image, there’s no issue. But if you may post some sensitive images/content, then that is a big No-No. If you’re unsure about the social media policies, then it might be better to get permission from your airline first.

Tips for Staying Healthy During a Layover

As you are tired from your flight duty, it is imperative that you know your body and take care of it. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy during your layover:

1. Get enough sleep: This is the most important thing you can do to stay healthy on a layover. Make sure you are getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. If you can, try to take a nap during the day as well.
2. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated.
3. Eat healthy foods and snacks to keep your energy up.
4. Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages before your next flight.
5. Exercise regularly to keep your body moving and reduce stress levels.
6. 6. Wash your hands often, and carry hand sanitizer with you for when you can’t access soap and water.
7. Wear a face mask when around other people, and practice social distancing whenever possible.
8. Stay up to date on vaccinations, and get travel insurance before your trip in case you fall ill while abroad.

What to Pack in your Luggage

Since you will be away from home, it is important to pack everything you need for your cabin crew layover. This includes toiletries, changes of clothes, and any medications you may need. You should also pack any items you need to entertain yourself during your downtime.

Pack as much of an emergency kit as you can. Cabin crew often have big luggage because they need to pack critical items in particular circumstances, such as when traveling to a cold destination. If the weather is nice (you don’t need a coat), you’ll have more chances to shop for souvenirs.

Check with your airline to see if there are any restrictions on what you can bring in your luggage. Some airlines have strict policies about items like liquids, gels, and aerosumables. Be sure to pack these items in your carry-on bag so that you don’t have to check them at the airport.

Flight Attendant Layover Blogs

Check out these articles about what you can do during a layover destination for flight attendants. Here are some written experiences and tips for those who plan to tour a specific city and what to expect:

• Venice Layover Guide: 24 Hours in Venice Itinerary
• Paris Layover Guide: 24 Hours in Paris Itinerary
• Prague Layover Guide: 24 Hours in Prague Itinerary

Staying Safe in Your Hotel and Surroundings During Your Layover

A layover can be an opportunity to explore a new city or simply catch up on some much-needed rest. However, it’s important to take some basic precautions to ensure your safety during your layover.

1. Be sure to research the location and read reviews to get a sense of the neighborhood.
2. Once you’ve arrived at your hotel, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the layout and note the location of exits and emergency exits.
3. If you plan to leave the hotel, be sure to have a map with you handy.
4. Also know the contact number of the hotel in case of an emergency.
5. When in doubt, ask the front desk for assistance or advice on staying safe during your layover. When exploring the city, stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsafe at any time, don’t hesitate to call for help or go back to the safety of your hotel.

Video: Layover in Mauritius

Here is a video clip uploaded on YouTube about what layovers. Brigitte, an Emirates flight attendant where shares her experience traveling to Mauritius and her experience having a layover in a luxury hotel.

Video: Layover in Jakarta, Indonesia

Here is another video by Etihad flight attendant, Alexander, where he spent a layover in Jakarta, Indonesia. He shares the hotel (Novotel Hotel) where he sleeps and some insights about a day in the life of a flight attendant.

Video: Layover in Paris Vlog

Margot in Dubai is another flight attendant and in the video, she shares her layover experience in Paris, France. They have a full day in beautiful Paris and together with her friend, they share a vlog clip being in the streets of Paris and exploring the sights and sounds. This is definitely a video on what you can expect if you travel from Dubai to France.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these FAQs about layovers for flight attendants:

1. How long is a typical flight attendant layover?

A typical flight attendant layover is 24 hours. This allows the cabin crew ample time to rest and explore the destination before their next flight. However, please be advised that there are some cases wherein layovers are less than 24 hours. There are airlines that have layovers of 18 hours, depending on the destination. So make sure to allot this time for your rest cause your body needs it.

2. What are the types of cabin crew layovers?

There are two types of cabin crew layovers- short and long.

A short layover is defined as less than 24 hours. This means that the cabin crew has less than 24 hours to rest before their next flight.

A long layover is anything more than 24 hours. This gives the cabin crew ample time to rest and explore the destination before their next flight.

3. What do cabin crew members do during their layover?

Cabin crew members often use their layover time to sleep, as they may not have had a chance to sleep on the plane. They may also use this time to eat and relax, as well as to get ready for their next flight. In some cases, flight attendants go out and explore places. This is where the fun part usually starts as they get to know the destination more and create new experiences.

4. How are cabin crew layovers scheduled?

Most cabin crew layovers are scheduled in advance by the airline. This allows the airline to plan for the cabin crew members’ time off and make sure that there are enough crew members available to work the next flight.

5. What should I pack for a cabin crew layover?

Since you will be away from home, it is important to pack everything you need for your cabin crew layover. This includes toiletries, changes of clothes, and any medications you may need. You should also pack any items you need to entertain yourself during your downtime.

Make sure you pack enough essentials. Usually, cabin crews have big luggage so they can pack important stuff especially given the weather conditions of the destination. You have more chances to pack light if the weather is hot (since you don’t need a coat) in the layover destination. If it’s winter season, expect your luggage to be heavier as you need more clothes in your luggage.

6. Can I bring guests to my hotel during my layover?

This depends on the airline’s policy and the hotel policy. Especially during the pandemic time, some hotels allow guests and some don’t. Please check with the hotel and airline rules during that flight.

7. What is the hotel like during a cabin crew layover?

The hotel during a cabin crew layover is usually clean and comfortable. The staff is also typically very friendly and accommodating.

8. Do I need a visa for my layover?

This depends on the country you are Layovering in. Some countries require visas for all visitors, while others only require visas for certain nationalities. Cabin crews may have an agreement between the countries where they don’t need to apply for a visa beforehand to travel to the destination. They usually go in a special passport lane during their arrival in the airport that allows them to enter the country without having their visas stamped.

This visa requirement for travel for flight attendants largely depends on the airline company and the country as these types of flights are considered ‘essential travel’ which falls under a special circumstance.

9. Will my airline pay for my meals during my layover?

Meals are usually not provided by the airline during layovers, but some airlines may offer a per diem to cover the cost of meals.

10. Do I need to tip during my layover?

Tipping is not required during your layover, but it is always appreciated. If you receive excellent service from the hotel staff, feel free to leave a tip.

Summary

A layover can be a great opportunity to explore a new destination, catch up on some sleep, or eat some good food. However, it is important to make sure that you pack everything you need for your trip. Most airlines plan cabin crew layovers in advance, so make sure to check with them before your trip. And finally, enjoy your layover!