When you board a plane, have you noticed that we always enter from the left door of the aircraft? This is not just a random habit; there are significant historical and security reasons behind this decision.
In fact, the custom of boarding on the left side of the aircraft originates from the maritime era. At that time, the ship’s steering wheel was usually installed on the right side for ease of control. Therefore, to facilitate docking, ships often chose to dock on the left when embarking and disembarking passengers. This habit has since been preserved and applied in modern aviation. At airports, passenger boarding bridges are typically designed on the left side of the aircraft, forcing passengers to board and disembark from this side.
Besides historical reasons, security factors also play an important role. In the past, many airports did not have covered boarding bridges, and passengers had to use shuttle buses to get close to the aircraft before walking up a staircase to board. The captain’s seat is located on the left side of the cockpit, allowing passengers to board from the left door helps the captain easily observe and ensure safety.
Today, although most airports are equipped with covered boarding bridges, this habit continues to be maintained to ensure consistency and safety during the boarding and disembarking process. Boarding from the left side has become a common standard. However, historically, there have been exceptions. For example, during the Soviet era, some aircraft allowed passengers to board from the right door.
Passenger boarding bridges are typically designed on the left side of the aircraft.
The left door is not only used for passengers to board and disembark but is also designed for other service operations to occur smoothly. Meanwhile, the right door of the aircraft is often reserved for service activities such as transporting luggage, food carts, and other services. This separation helps ensure that service activities and passengers do not interfere with each other, thereby ensuring an efficient boarding and disembarking process.
The left door is designed for other service activities to occur smoothly.
In emergencies, both sides of the aircraft doors can be used for evacuation. Emergency exits are equipped with safety slides, allowing passengers to exit quickly. However, unnecessarily opening emergency doors can lead to significant financial consequences.
In emergencies, both doors can be used to ensure passenger safety.
Boarding the aircraft from the left door is not merely a habit but also reflects a combination of historical and security factors. The right door is designated for service activities, ensuring an efficient and safe boarding and disembarking process. In emergencies, both doors can be utilized to guarantee passenger safety. This illustrates that the design and operation of aircraft are based not only on historical principles but must also meet high safety standards, ensuring a safe and efficient flight for everyone.
