In fact, many scientists have proven that flying is the safest mode of transportation. Behind a smooth and successful flight, there are countless tasks to ensure safe and precise operations. However, most travelers only understand the surface of how a flight operates, regardless of how observant or frequent flyers they may be.
Secrets Airlines Never Want to Reveal
There are six secrets related to flight safety that airlines often prefer to keep under wraps, but passengers can discover them if they pay attention. Ultimately, airlines always strive to ensure the utmost safety for travelers, and sometimes it’s better for us to remain “in the dark.”
1. The Secret of Darkness in the Cabin
Flying through bad weather, the pilot will dim the cabin lights
On long-haul flights, overnight journeys, or flights through bad weather, pilots will dim the lights in the cabin to help passengers’ eyes adjust to the darkness. This way, should any emergency arise, passengers can more easily locate the emergency exits instead of being caught off guard by a sudden power outage.
2. Why Can’t Planes Be Fully Fueled?
Planes are not fully fueled for each flight to reduce weight and save costs. Therefore, when encountering bad weather, pilots can land at the nearest airport to refuel and navigate around the adverse conditions.
3. Mandatory Actions Before Takeoff
Opening the window shade, folding down the tray table, putting the seat back upright, and fastening seatbelts during takeoff and landing are four mandatory requirements that are repeated numerous times during every flight. The reason for putting the seat back upright and folding the tray table is to enable passengers next to you to evacuate more easily in case of an emergency. Opening the window shade also helps rescue personnel outside quickly identify the location of those in need inside the aircraft, and it allows passengers to proactively observe any issues outside the plane.
4. Don’t Let Food Fall on the Tray
Don’t let food fall on the tray; who knows how many bacteria it contains?
Sometimes, due to time constraints, some airlines may not have enough time to clean the food trays for passengers before serving, especially on closely scheduled flights. Therefore, avoid letting food fall on the tray or placing fruits and candies on the tray surface—who knows how many bacteria are lurking there?
5. The Carpet on Planes is Terribly Dirty
Similar to the food trays, the carpets on the floors of airplanes are among the least cleaned items. Just imagine—shoe prints, spilled milk tea, children’s urine, food sauces, vomit… In fact, people often advise against walking barefoot on planes for this very reason.
6. What Moment Scares Flight Attendants the Most?
Barbie, a 29-year-old flight attendant from Argentina working for La Azafata Airlines, revealed everything about life on a plane and the moment that scares her the most.
“At midnight, a girl called the entire crew to report that her mother was trying to bite her. Therefore, we had to rush to see what was happening,” the flight attendant recalled.
“They were screaming at each other, and the girl wanted us to call her father, but the plane was over the ocean, and of course, we couldn’t do that. The girl started to show signs of anxiety. The mother told us that the girl was not in a clear state of mind; eventually, she fell asleep on the cabin floor, looking just like a scene cut from a movie.”
Additionally, Barbie recounted a moment when a passenger attacked a flight attendant because they discovered their luggage had not been loaded onto the plane: “I remember once there was luggage that didn’t make it onto the plane, and the customers found out about it upon landing. Everything was fine until they saw us in the airport. They insisted that I was responsible, but I had just found out about it a few minutes before.”
