From hidden airplane secrets that could save your life to flight facts that are almost too wild to believe, the world of air travel is full of surprises. These are the secrets that airlines will never tell their passengers, but they could make a big difference in your flying experience.
The Safest Seat on the Plane
Believe it or not, the least comfortable seats on the plane often found in the middle of the last row at the back, have the highest survival rates in the event of a crash. Airlines would never tell their passengers that where you sit can impact your chances of surviving an emergency situation. While they try to upsell you with premium seats, they certainly won’t advertise that a middle seat at the back of the plane actually has the highest survival rate if the plane were to crash land.
Many of us tend to avoid these seats at the back of the plane since they are not very comfortable and lack the reclining feature. Plus, they’re close to the bathrooms, which isn’t exactly ideal. It’s a personal choice whether to compromise on comfort for this potential safety benefit. As someone who has taken hundreds of flights, I’ve never chosen to sit in the back row of seats—and likely never will. Would you? Let us know in the comments.
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Direct Flights, A Safer Bet
Another way to increase your chances of a safe trip to your destination is to opt for a direct flight instead of booking multiple connecting flights. Choosing a direct flight isn’t just about convenience; it’s also a safety consideration that airlines don’t usually mention. It’s a bit unsettling to know that most airplane accidents happen during takeoff and landing. By choosing a direct flight, you only have to go through this risky part of flying once.
Important Flight Procedures
It’s comforting to know that airlines have numerous procedures in place to keep passengers safe, even if they don’t openly discuss all the reasons behind them. For example, during takeoff, you’re asked to stow your personal item bag under the seat in front of you, close your tray table, and open the window shades. Personal items and electronics must be stowed because they could become dangerous projectiles in an emergency. An open tray table could block your exit path, and dimming the cabin lights helps your eyes adjust in case you need to evacuate in the dark.
Passengers aren’t asked to open the window shades for the view, but rather so that emergency personnel can see inside the plane in case of a crash landing. These small details play a big role in keeping everyone on board safe.
Always Check Under Your Seat
Another crucial airline secret involves the life vest under your seat. While every seat should have a life vest, some passengers walk off with them, so it’s possible your seat might not have one. It’s always a good idea to check under your seat before takeoff, and if you can’t find a life vest, notify a flight attendant immediately. Be prepared for a potential delay in takeoff since every seat is required by law to have a life vest.
Additionally, the seat cushion can often be detached and used as a flotation device if needed. It’s one of those hidden safety features that many passengers overlook.
The Mystery of the Tiny Window Hole
Have you ever noticed the tiny hole in every airplane window? It’s called a bleed hole, and it plays a vital role in regulating cabin pressure, keeping the window strong, and preventing it from fogging up. This small detail is crucial for your safety and comfort during the flight, yet it’s something that airlines don’t usually explain.
The Hidden Ashtray
Another unsettling airline feature is the ashtray in the airplane bathroom. Even though smoking is illegal on airplanes, some passengers still break the rules. Having a safe place to extinguish a cigarette is essential, and that’s why ashtrays are still present in airplane bathrooms. The bathrooms also have highly sensitive smoke detectors, so don’t even think about trying to sneak a smoke—you’ll be in big trouble if you do.
Air Pockets: The Pilot’s Biggest Fear
Turbulence is something we’re all familiar with, but there’s a more concerning phenomenon that pilots fear even more: air pockets. These are unpredictable and can’t be detected on radar. Air pockets can cause strong updrafts and downdrafts that could throw passengers or pilots out of their seats. That’s why pilots keep their seat belts buckled throughout the entire flight. It’s a good idea to follow their lead and do the same.
Keep Your Shoes On!
Here’s a lesser-known airline secret: always keep your shoes on, especially if you leave your seat. Using the bathroom in your socks is not only gross, but those little droplets on the ground aren’t always water. The aisle floors also accumulate germs from the bathroom, so keeping your shoes on helps protect you from various foot conditions.
The Dirtiest Places on the Plane
Flight attendants will admit that planes aren’t as clean as you might think. Turnaround times between flights are often short, leaving limited time for cleaning. To protect yourself, avoid touching the seatback pockets, inflight menus, magazines, seat buckles, and tray tables without wiping them down first. You might even consider using a tray table cover to protect yourself from germs.
Keeping the air vent open is another good idea. The air from the overhead vent is partially filtered, which can help disperse germs in your immediate airspace. Some even say that the continuous flow of air creates a barrier around you, stopping germs from settling. Though the effectiveness of this is up for debate.
Beware of Reused Blankets
Finally, be cautious about using the blankets provided on long-haul flights. I recently learned that the pillows and blankets are often reused and may only be clean for the first flight of the day. So, think twice before snuggling up in that blanket.
These airline secrets may not be well-known, but they can make a big difference in your safety and comfort during a flight. Next time you fly, keep these tips in mind, and you might just have a safer and more pleasant journey.
Safe travels, and see you in the sky!
