Date: 201712
Aircraft: B767 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Parked
Aircraft component: Cabin Furnishing
Component problem: Design
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Flight Attendant (On Duty)
Reporter qualification: Flight Attendant Current
Anomaly: No Specific Anomaly Occurred All Types
Detector: Person Flight Attendant
When detected: Aircraft In Service At Gate
Result: General None Reported / Taken
Contributing factors: Aircraft; Company Policy
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: The reconfigured 767 is a disaster waiting to happen in an emergency. No cross-aisle for speedy evacuation. Jumpseats are blocked the entire time while service is going on with glass carts; trash cart; and liquor cart. Turbulence only takes seconds to hit and while we are trying to park all three carts on both sides with such a small galley and carts that do not work well; since the wheels of those carts do not turn the right way; it will be a tragic event for crew members. There are no tie downs to hold carts in place. The other issue is no cross aisle. All passengers with seat assignments on the right hand side have to go through the galley. The same time we are performing our service with pre-departure; hanging coats; passing out menus; passing pajamas and the list goes on; while the galley FA is trying to check the galley items; brewing coffee; working with the pilots about their meal choice; etc. Passengers fighting to get to their seats.  We are told; and practice year after year; if exits are blocked; to go across. With the narrow aisles and seats which you cannot possibly cross because of the design; where will the passengers cross over all bunched in the galley trying to evacuate. The only place passengers can cross over is in the middle of the aircraft. This plane was approved by the FAA.  The two lavatories in B/C are in close proximity to the cockpit. Passengers needing to use them will situate themselves in the galley area where we are trying to do our service passing trays; getting drinks; closing and opening the ovens while trying not to hit them accidentally with all moving items such as [galley] carts; setting two up; pouring coffee or tea etc. Instead of them waiting for the lavatories in their area left or right side they decide to play back and forth in the galley area waiting to see which lavatory opens first. We don't have time for that. Should we delay the service until they all go to the lavatories? They don't want to wait in the narrow aisle and inconvenience their seat mates; but wait in the galley interrupting our service. The other issue is who decided on placing our crew rest area aft [in coach]. With all the noise from the galley area; passengers talking; who in their right mind can get a restful rest? Fatigue will be playing a huge role in this. Crew members are poked through the curtain; passengers sit on the armrest awaiting a free lav. Sometimes passengers take it upon themselves to open the curtain thinking a lav is hiding behind the curtain. All these issues need to be investigated and a quick change both for passengers and crew members. Put back the cross aisle and bring the crew rest area to the front of coach. I would love someone to fly with me on a full flight and see what we now have to work with. This is unacceptable and not appreciated by [Company's] front line employee. Happy employees make for a stronger airline and a profitable one. The correct solution can be found.




Synopsis: B767 Flight Attendant reported that their company's reconfigured B767 cabin layout adversely affects safety; efficiency; and crew rest.