Futurism logo

12 Mind-Blowing Flight Secrets

Unveiling the Mysteries of Air Travel

By Dennis Thomas IVPublished 9 months ago 4 min read
Like
12 Mind-Blowing Flight Secrets
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Unveiling the Mysteries of Air Travel: 12 Mind-Blowing Flight Secrets

Welcome aboard this flight! As we soar through the skies, let's uncover some little-known mind-blowing facts about all things aeronautical. From airport boarding secrets to the truth behind bad airline food and even what happens in the event of an in-flight death, these are some of the craziest flight secrets that are never told to passengers.

1. Stress-Free Boarding

We've all experienced the stress of boarding a flight, but did you know rushing to join the boarding queue may not be necessary? Most airlines pre-assign specific seats to passengers, so your seat is already waiting for you. Boarding last can actually minimize your time spent waiting on board, and you can avoid clogging up the gate area.

2. The Passenger Name Record

That six-digit alphanumeric code on your boarding pass is called the Passenger Name Record (PNR). It's used to identify individual passengers and can reveal personal details like your date of birth and contact information. Avoid throwing your boarding pass in public trash cans as it contains sensitive data.

3. The Four S's Code

If you find the "Four S's Code" on your boarding pass, it means you're selected for additional security checks. Airlines use this code for passengers they find suspicious due to certain booking patterns or other factors. It's all part of ensuring airport security.

4. Bird Strikes and Extreme Weather

Bird strikes are a real concern for planes. Airports employ various creative methods to keep birds away, like firing blanks to scare them or using pigs to eat gull eggs. Hailstorms can also be dangerous, causing damage to planes and necessitating repairs.

5. What Happens in the Lavatory?

Contrary to myth, airplane toilets don't flush waste into the sky. Instead, a strong suction system pulls waste into a holding tank. Sometimes, frozen chunks of "blue ice" fall from planes due to septic tank leaks. So if you find a blue chunk in your backyard, avoid giving it a lick!

6. Secret Way to Unlock an Airplane Toilet

Believe it or not, there's a secret way to unlock an airplane lavatory from the outside. Flight attendants use a lock hidden behind the lavatory sign in emergencies. Just slide the knob and open the door, but don't try this for a prank!

7. Airplane Food: Tasteless in the Sky?

Airplane cabins have low humidity levels, affecting our ability to taste and smell. To counteract this, airlines increase salt and sugar in meals. However, noise-canceling headphones can enhance taste while drowning out engine noise.

8. Pilot Food Hierarchy

To prevent mutual food poisoning, pilots and co-pilots avoid eating the same meals while working. There's even a pecking order for pilot meals, with captains often getting first-class meals, while co-pilots may have business-class fare.

9. The Safest Seat

Statistically, the rear of the plane has the highest survival rate in case of a crash. Middle seats in the rear offer a 72% chance of survival. In contrast, aisle seats in the middle third have a 56% survival rate.

10. The Secret of the Window Hole

That tiny hole at the bottom of the window plays a crucial safety role. It helps balance air pressure between window panes to maintain cabin pressure. Airplane windows are also made of multiple layers to withstand pressure changes.

11. Rest Compartments for Crew

On long-haul flights, flight attendants have secret rest compartments to catch some shut-eye. These compartments are discreetly located above the passenger cabin and equipped with beds, pillows, and safety belts.

12. Dealing with In-Flight Deaths

In rare cases of in-flight death, the body is usually left until the plane reaches its destination. Singapore Airlines even introduced "corpse cupboards" on their long-haul flights to store deceased passengers discreetly.

There you have it, 12 fascinating flight secrets that remain hidden from most passengers. The next time you fly, keep these mind-blowing facts in mind, and you'll see air travel in a whole new light!

Like what you read? Send me a gift below to help contribute to more amazing content like this. Don't forget to subscribe. THANK YOU FOR READING

Like & Share the link to social media

sciencetravelfoodfeaturefact or fiction
Like

About the Creator

Dennis Thomas IV

"Meet Dennis Thomas IV, the Quirky Innovator 🚀🤓 Armed with a brilliant mind and a penchant for humor, Dennis concocts dazzling solutions that delight. Get ready to explore new frontiers of engagement with Dennis's unique flair!"

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.