During long flights, the crew sleeps in different ways. Some use mattresses, while others sleep on jump seats or cushions. Some have the option of resting cabins; the size of a crew's rest compartments varies depending on the aircraft type. They may be located above or below the passenger cabin.

On long-haul flights, flight attendants sleep in secret, windowless compartments known as Crew Rest Departments (CRCs) or "bunk rooms." These areas are hidden away from passengers, usually located above or below the main cabin and accessed via a concealed staircase or ladder that looks like a standard closet door. On large aircraft like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350, these rooms typically contain 6 to 10 padded bunks equipped with pillows, blankets, and sound-dampening curtains for privacy. The bunks are often "pod-style" and include reading lights and safety belts in case of sudden turbulence. Flight attendants take their breaks in rotational shifts (usually 3 to 4 hours long) during the "cruise" portion of the flight, ensuring that a full complement of crew is always awake and available to serve passengers and handle emergencies. These areas are strictly "no-noise" zones and are designed to be as ergonomic as possible within the tight constraints of the fuselage to ensure the crew is well-rested for the critical landing phase of the journey.