Yes, cabin crew and pilots almost always stay in hotels during "layovers" (stops between flight legs). For 2026, airlines typically book crew members into 4-star or 5-star hotels that have been vetted for safety, quietness, and proximity to the airport. The cost of the room is paid for by the airline, and crew members also receive a "per diem" allowance to cover their meals and incidental expenses while away from their home base. Layovers can range from a quick 12-hour "rest-and-return" to 72 hours or more in distant destinations like Sydney or Tokyo. While it sounds glamorous, crew members often spend their first few hours sleeping to recover from jet lag. However, on longer layovers, they are free to explore the local city, visit landmarks, and experience the culture together, which is often cited as the most rewarding part of the profession for international flight attendants.
Yes, cabin crew (flight attendants) typically stay in hotels during layovers between flights. This is a standard and essential part of the job for most airlines.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how it works:
1. The Purpose: Layovers
- A layover (also called a “stopover” or “night stop”) is when the crew’s schedule requires them to stay in a destination city before operating their next flight, which could be the return leg or a continuation to another city.
- Layovers can range from a short 10-12 hours (for rest) to much longer 24-72 hour “slips” (common on long-haul international routes), allowing the crew time to explore.
2. Who Arranges and Pays?
- The airline is responsible for booking and paying for the hotel accommodations. This is a major operational cost for airlines.
- Crew schedules and hotel bookings are managed by the airline’s crew scheduling or travel department.
3. Hotel Standards and Location
- Airlines usually have contracts with specific hotels in each destination city. These are often airport hotels for convenience, but can also be downtown or resort-style hotels, especially on longer layovers in attractive destinations.
- The standard is generally a private, single-occupancy room for each crew member. Safety and security are top priorities.
- Hotels are typically of a 3 to 4-star standard or higher, chosen for reliability, safety, and amenities like reliable transport, 24-hour food, and fitness facilities.
4. Transport and Per Diems
- Transport: The airline usually provides (or pays for) dedicated transport (a crew bus or van) between the airport and the hotel.
- Per Diem: In addition to their salary, crew receive a per diem (a