Why you shouldn't be the first to board an airplane (Hidden Travel Secrets No One Will Tell You)

There are other factors that are more dangerous than turbulence during a flight. Instead of being the first to board the plane, you'll soon find out why it might be better to board last.

You may have noticed that most planes have blue seats, and there's a reason behind this choice. Airlines opt for blue because it's known to have a calming effect on passengers, helping even the most nervous flyers relax. Additionally, blue fabric makes stains, dirt, and scrapes less visible.

When it comes to your boarding pass, it's important not to discard it in a public place. Your boarding pass contains sensitive information, including your name and frequent flyer number. If someone gets hold of it, they could potentially check your future bookings, change your seat, or even cancel your flights. To ensure security, it's best to take your boarding pass home and shred it.

If you ever come across the letters SSS or S on your boarding pass, be prepared for additional security checks. Alternatively, there might be a checkerboard pattern in place. In such cases, your carry-on luggage might also undergo a thorough inspection. The selection for secondary screening can be based on various criteria, including one-way reservations, cash payments, or even random selection.

Experienced travelers often employ the strategy of boarding last. This approach eliminates the need to stand in line and allows for fewer people in the jetway and aisle. Consequently, you spend less time on the plane, and there's no risk of someone taking your seat. However, if you have a bulky carry-on bag, it might be wise to board earlier to secure overhead bin space.

Flight attendants usually flip a small switch on the bathroom door before takeoff and landing. This prevents the door from opening when it shouldn't. It can be easily opened from the outside by lifting the lavatory sign and moving the knob into the unlocked position.

In the event of an engine failure during takeoff or landing, airplanes can still operate with just one engine. The scenario of both engines failing simultaneously is extremely rare, and in such cases, pilots would have up to 20 minutes to find a suitable place to land.

To minimize the effects of turbulence, nervous flyers can choose seats in the middle of the cabin. Turbulence tends to have a more significant impact on the front and rear sections of the aircraft, while the middle section, situated over the wings, experiences less shaking.

Pilots and co-pilots are served different meals as a precautionary measure. This ensures that if one pilot falls ill due to food poisoning, the other can still safely control the plane. If they both prefer the same meal, they can consume it at different times, allowing for a backup in case of any adverse effects.

Some planes have secret crew rest compartments located at the back or behind the cockpit. These compartments, known as crew rest compartments, provide comfortable beds for flight attendants to rest during long flights.

Plane windows are made of strong Plexiglas that can withstand high speeds and pressure differentials. The shape of the window panes distributes pressure evenly, reducing the likelihood of cracks or damage.

It's important to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations regarding items allowed in hand luggage to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.