Discover the Hidden Secrets of Airplanes You Should Know

Did you know that the oxygen mask on an airplane only works for 15 minutes? The toilet door can be opened from the outside while you're inside? Unraveling 16 secrets about flights that gossip enthusiasts have 'decoded' might just change your perspective on flying. 

Flight attendants sometimes hold onto your dinner, hoping to make you sleepy

'On night flights, sometimes we delay serving dinner until you feel sleepy, and we also manage to reduce our workload,' confessed an anonymous flight attendant.

Dimming the lights is for evacuation preparation, not for sleep

'When the airplane is preparing to land at night, they dim the lights inside the plane, not for sleep but in case evacuation is needed upon landing... your eyes have already adjusted to see outside the plane better.' – @bonestamp.

Unlocking the Aircraft Lavatory from the Outside is Possible

'You can unlock the airplane lavatory from the outside. Usually, there's a hidden latch behind the no-smoking sign on the door. Just lift the sign and gently slide the latch to open.' – @threeway.

You're Inhaling Air from the Plane's Engines

'The air you're breathing on the plane is actually compressed air taken from the engines. A significant portion of this air (25% – 50%) is blown into the aircraft control chamber, with the remainder for passengers. The air exits the plane through a small hole at the rear of the fuselage.'  @virgadays.

Those Blankets Aren't Freshly Laundered and Your Tray Table is Likely Dirty

'I used to be a flight attendant for Southwest. Yes, between flights, blankets and pillows are only folded and placed back in the compartments. I only see the ones that are still new and clean on the first flight in the morning. Also, sometimes you put peanuts on your tray to eat, or just touch it with your hands... I often see dirty diapers placed on the tray more than food! However, I've never seen them wiped clean or sanitized once.' – @Melhow44.

Pilots Can Detain You Mid-Flight

When the airplane door closes, the flight captain has almost unlimited authority. He has the power to detain individuals, issue fines, and even accept the last will of a dying person.' – @virgadays.

You Might Be Upgraded to First Class After Takeoff

According to an anonymous flight attendant: 'You might get upgraded to business or first class after the plane door is closed. We don't usually do this, partly because some airlines have to submit a report explaining the reason, partly because there's a meal reserved for you, and partly because the pre-booked cabins are already full. So who do we choose? Probably not those dressed untidily. You might be chosen if you're polite, well-dressed, attractive, tall, pregnant, or if you're our friend...'

Pilots Sleeping While Flying

'Between 43-54% of pilots surveyed in the UK, Norway, and Sweden admitted to sleeping while controlling a passenger-carrying airplane.'

Stealing Life Vests

'People take life vests placed under or between your seats as souvenirs. It's a petty criminal act worthy of punishment. While airlines usually check each seat at the beginning of each day, a plane can perform several flights in a day, and any passenger can 'snatch' a life vest. I've learned one thing - always check if the life vests are still there,' according to George Hobica, an aviation expert.

Armrests Used in Case Flight Attendants Are Pushed Out of the Plane

Also according to George Hobica: 'Next time you board a plane, pay attention to the armrests by the door, right inside the aircraft. What are they for? In chaotic emergency evacuations, flight attendants at emergency exit positions are often pushed out of the way by passengers, sometimes falling onto the slide. These armrests are meant to help flight attendants 'cling' to the plane if they still have duties to perform.'

You Can Request a Whole Can of Coca-Cola

'If you need a substantial amount of carbonated water to 'quench your thirst,' politely ask the flight attendant for an entire can of soda, and they will almost certainly accommodate your request,' former flight attendant Beth Blair.

Oxygen Masks Provide Oxygen for Only 15 Minutes

'If the oxygen masks drop down, you have only about 15 minutes of oxygen once you pull them down. However, that time is more than enough for pilots to descend to a breathable altitude, where you can breathe normally.' – @Jezalenko.

Avoid Touching the Water on the Plane

'Unless it's water from a bottle, never drink, and even avoid touching water from the tap on the plane. The reason is that the water drainage from the lavatory and the water supply for the plane are separate systems and sometimes both tasks are performed by a single staff member.' – @gruntman.

Crew Members Aren't Paid Until the Plane Takes Off

'Airlines usually pay us when we are present to perform duties at the airport, but that's 'old news'... Now we only receive payment once the plane has left the ground, not even when it's still taxiing! Sometimes there are hours of delay between when we are on duty and when the plane takes off. Airlines have different policies, but it's a way for them to save money.' A anonymous flight attendant.

Pilots are Served Separate Meals as a Precaution for Food Poisoning

'Two pilots are served different meals and cannot eat together, this is done as a precaution in case of food poisoning.' – @Wrestlingisgood.

Flight Attendants May Disregard Phone Usage Rules

'My sister is a flight attendant, she said after instructing everyone to turn off electronic devices, she goes to the back, takes out her phone, and starts texting.' – @dora_de_destroya.

Breaking News

***

Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour