The best seats on a Boeing 777? Try the upstairs bunk beds!
By David Flynn, December 27 2013
The best seats on a Boeing 777 might not be at the pointy end of the plane – they could in fact be the 'secret' bunk beds nestled upstairs above the economy section.
Welcome to the compact crew rest cabin in Boeing's long-range 777-300ER, where flight attendants can stretch out and sleep between shifts. (The pilots have their own upstairs beds rear of the cockpit.)
Passengers aren't normally allowed in this restricted area but Australian Business Traveller got a guided tour in Cathay Pacific's factory-fresh Boeing 777-300ERs on its delivery flight from Seattle to Hong Kong.
The crew need this nook for these 16 hour trans-Pacific treks, along with the journey from Hong Kong to London.
So while you're working, relaxing or snoozing in your seat, this is the retreat of Cathay's hard-working flight attendants. Check it out for yourself...
The unmarked but security-locked door to the crew rest area is found at the very rear of the plane.
Climb up the steep narrow staircase...
... and a cosy – some may say claustrophobic – den awaits.
There are eight berths, each about two metres long and 75cm wide.
Creature comforts include sound-reducing curtains, a small mirror, hooks for hanging loose items of clothing...
... and an adjustable reading lamp.
There's also a wardobe where all crew can stow their jackets...
... and a temperature control to keep this self-contained cabin from getting too toasty or chilly.
As you can see, it's a tight squeeze.
This space even has its own emergency exit under one of the bunks, in case the stairwell is blocked. You can just spy the 'exit' sign in the photo above, on the upper left side of the corridor.
Here's a close-up of that particular bunk.
Lift up the bunk's mattress and you'll see an escape hatch.
This drops down to seat 65G, through the overhead luggage compartment.
Of course, that's not a real luggage compartment: note the missing latch on 65G's overhead bin, compared to its neighbours.
That's because this compartment can only be opened from the inside, when the crew shimmy through escape hatch.
(Note to self: maybe seat 65G isn't the pick of the bunch for a Boeing 777!)
Mind you, we still think the funky loft in Boeing's 787 Dreamliner (shown below) is the coolest crew-only cabin... click here for a closer look.
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David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
15 Aug 2011
Total posts 33
is this not a security issue!!!!!
04 Nov 2010
Total posts 671
I don't know Johnny, I'd feel pretty safe and secure if I was snug in one of those bunks. :P
15 Apr 2011
Total posts 582
What's the security issue?? There haven't been any problems in the 8 years since these were introduced...
20 Jul 2011
Total posts 73
Check the pilots' rest area on an A380 - got its own toilet and almost puts a hotel room to shame...
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2549
Rufus: sounds cool , will definitely try for that any time we get the chance!
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3020
That Robbie Williams song plays in my head whenever I read/hear about and fly CX.
Does that happen to anyone else or am I just being lame?! LOL
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2549
Err, what Robbie WIlliams song?
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3020
The one used in their advertisement some time back... I don't want to feel.
Talk about subliminal!
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2549
Well there you go, I have not seen that advert!
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3020
Google it. It's one of the better CX advertisement! It captures the imagination!
It's certainly a lot better than Mandy (or whatever her name is) the reporter who had a career change and became a flight attendant (yeah right I'll be believe that!) or that ungrateful person who hated birthday wishes in the office only to be accosted with a birthday card in the cabin (why would that be any better?)
Brings home the message that Asian focused advertising really does thrust people in the limelight and away from subtlety and thoughtful advertising that hints and suggest.
18 May 2013
Total posts 2
It's an aircraft, there is always a security risk, but just as much as any other part of the plane. IMO the secuirty risks come from anyone who works on or around the aircraft. You should see the kind of people I work with! The media would have a field day!
14 Jan 2015
Total posts 3
If anything had something arise this could be used as a tool for security to combat a hostel act.
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