A330 Question
 

While flying back from FCO to JFK (the long way around due to the ash), after the meal service, several of the flight attendants disappeared "downstairs" for a couple of hours. I did not realize that there was a "downstairs" and was wondering if this was a crew rest station, or maybe a sauna and swiming pool. Anyone know exactly what is down there??

There is a partial lower deck on the A330s. It can be configured in a number of ways... galley, crew rest and believe it or not, lavatories. Putting the lavs downstairs allows for more seating on the main deck.

On the NW A330 it's crew rest area. Essentially a series of bunks they can lay down in. IIRC there is also a pilot rest area next to the cockpit at the front of the plane.

Believe there's a crew rest ULD available, yet I'm sure there's pressure to not load it (loss of cargo rev?). There's pictures floating around out there somewhere, believe on airliners.net

As is obvious, everything said about the A330 is true (ref downstairs). BUT, in my experience, neither PMNW or PMDL ever "totally" disappear from the cabin. Usually someone is in the galley (for safety as well as customer service reasons) as opposed to the one (or several) who are on break. But NEVER is the entire crew gone from view. But, if NO ONE were in view (including in the galley, even if the curtain was closed) that would seem to be a safety violation.

Dave

From what I read of the NW FA contract the crew rest pods were contractual. Back in the 742 days they had folding lounge chairs they would use in the galley. It didn't look comfortable.

I believe in the 767 the "rest pod" is a seat in the J cabin (usually the last row, in the center section).

Dave

The pool is for crew and non-revs only. Haven't you seen all the threads? "Non-revs get A330 pool access instead of Diamonds. Worst program ever!"

Back to crew rest... there are many configs - EK 777's have the crew rest (recliners and bunks) above the passenger cabin. Access is via the aft galley.

from what i understand it can be taken out but its true blue pain in the .... I think NW did it once and ended up having to send the pod back to airbus and get a new one because once they pulled it out they couldn't ever get it to work again.

Check SeatGuru and you can see the config of the aircraft. AF has downstairs lavatories in their config.