A cabin crew layover is the time flight attendants spend at a destination before their next flight. Layovers can be as short as 10 hours (barely enough to sleep) or stretch over 48 hours for long-haul routes. Airlines provide hotels and a meal allowance, but layovers are unpaid, and crew have no control over where they stay. Some long-haul layovers offer a real break, but most short-haul ones are just a quick reset before another shift.
What is a layover for flight attendants?
A layover is the time crew spend resting between flights. It’s not a holiday – it’s legally required downtime to prevent fatigue.
- If the next flight isn’t scheduled within a few hours, the airline books a hotel.
- Layovers typically range from 10 to 48+ hours, depending on flight length.
- Most layovers aren’t long enough for sightseeing – just eating, sleeping, and preparing for the next flight.
How long do flight attendants stay in a destination?
Layover length depends on the flight type, airline policy, and legal rest requirements.
- Short-haul layovers (10–14 hours) → Just enough time to sleep before flying again.
- Medium-haul layovers (14–24 hours) → Might allow a short outing if the timing is right.
- Long-haul layovers (24+ hours) → A chance to rest or explore if fatigue doesn’t take over.
- Ultra-long-haul layovers (48+ hours) → The best chance for proper recovery and sightseeing.
Short-haul vs. long-haul layovers: Which is worse?
Short-haul layovers
- Typically 10–14 hours, barely enough to check in, sleep, and check out.
- Hotels are often near the airport with no time for anything except recovery.
Long-haul layovers
- Usually 24–48 hours, giving crew more time to sleep, adjust, or go out.
- Jet lag can still ruin plans, especially after overnight flights.
Layover pay for flight attendants: Do airlines pay?
Layovers are unpaid – airlines cover hotel stays and a meal allowance (per diem), but crew aren’t earning their full salary.
What crew get: A per diem for food, a free hotel stay, and transportation.
What they don’t get: Payment for time spent waiting between flights.
Flight attendant overnight stays: Where do they sleep?
Crew don’t pick their hotels – airlines book them based on contracts, not comfort. Some stays are in luxury hotels, while others are budget airport motels.
Best-case scenario: A central hotel, blackout curtains, a big breakfast, and enough time to explore.
Worst-case scenario: A loud, cramped airport hotel with barely enough time to sleep before heading back to work.
Common crew hotel problems:
- No rooms booked on arrival? Crew wait for hours or get reassigned.
- Broken air conditioning? Sleeping is nearly impossible.
- Isolated location? No food options, no time to explore.
Some airlines prioritise comfort, but others book the cheapest option available.
Who decides layover length?
Layover times are based on three factors:
- Aviation laws – Rest periods are regulated by EASA, FAA, or ICAO rules.
- Airline budgets – Shorter layovers = fewer hotel costs.
- Aircraft schedules – Layovers depend on when the plane is needed next, not what’s best for crew.
Bottom line: Longer flights = longer layovers, short-haul flights = bare minimum rest time.
The 24-hour layover myth: Why you actually get half
A 24-hour layover rarely means 24 hours of free time. Crew lose hours to:
- Hotel transport (30-60 min each way).
- Security, briefing, and airport procedures.
- Showering, eating, and unwinding before bed.
- A wake-up call 3-4 hours before departure.
What’s left? Maybe 10 hours of actual rest – if they’re lucky.
Jet lag vs. layovers: Who wins? (Spoiler: Not you)
Jet lag ruins most layovers. Crew often land when their body clock is completely off, making it hard to sleep or function normally.
- Arriving in Tokyo at 7 AM? The body still thinks it’s midnight.
- Sleeping in New York at 10 PM? The body thinks it’s 3 PM in London.
- A Dubai layover? Welcome to a half-awake limbo.
Some crew plan their rest carefully, but most just power through the exhaustion.
The smart cabin crew layover packing list
Experienced crew pack for survival. Here’s what makes a difference:
- Travel pillow & eye mask – Hotel blackout curtains aren’t always enough.
- Snacks – Some layovers have no decent food options.
- Universal adapter – Some hotels still lack proper outlets.
- Mini toiletries – Not all hotels provide good quality soap.
- Noise-canceling headphones – Because thin walls are a thing.
Rare layovers that actually feel like a holiday
Every now and then, you hit the jackpot.
- A 48-hour layover in the Maldives with beachfront views.
- A Tokyo layover with time for an amazing dinner.
- A five-star hotel with a rooftop pool and late departure.
But most layovers? Just hotel rooms, exhaustion, and airport transfers.
What’s your experience?
Are you crew? Have you had layovers that were nothing like what people imagine? Share your stories in the comments or join the conversation on the cabin crew forum.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are flight attendant layovers?
Layovers range from 10 hours to 48+ hours, depending on flight length and airline scheduling. Short-haul flights usually have under 14 hours, while long-haul flights offer 24–48 hours.
Do flight attendants get paid during layovers?
Most airlines don’t pay crew for layover time, but they provide a per diem (meal allowance). Crew aren’t earning full salary while resting.
Where do cabin crew stay during layovers?
Airlines book hotels for crew. Some are luxury city-centre hotels, while others are budget airport hotels. Crew don’t choose their accommodation.
Can flight attendants leave the hotel during layovers?
Yes, unless restricted by visa rules or safety concerns. In high-risk locations, airlines may require crew to stay inside the hotel.
Do airlines pay for food during layovers?
Most airlines provide a meal allowance (per diem), but amounts vary. Some cover hotel meals only, while others allow crew to eat anywhere.
What happens if a flight delay shortens a layover?
Crew must still get legal rest time, but delays can cut layovers short. If severe, crew may be reassigned or schedules adjusted.