What might a crew member experience during a layover?

A crew member typically experiences rest time at a hotel during a layover. Layovers can provide flight crews with the necessary downtime to recuperate between flights, ensuring they are well-rested and alert when it’s time to operate the next leg of the journey. This time at a hotel is often mandated by regulations to prevent fatigue and maintain safety standards in aviation.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the nature of a layover for crew members. Meal service is just one small aspect of what they may encounter, focusing solely on that does not encompass the varied experiences during layovers. An extended period in the air pertains more to actual flying time rather than rest. Lastly, having no downtime contradicts the purpose of scheduling layovers, which is specifically to allow time for rest and recovery between flights. Thus, the experience of resting at a hotel is a key part of a crew member's layover.