Hidden Facts About Planes
Do you ever sit and wonder during your flight how these massive objects are capable of carrying hundreds of passengers across the world? If you're fascinated by planes and everything they can do, we've got even more interesting facts that will surely capture your attention. Today's the day you get all your plane-related questions answered!
Original image cropped by Gralo on Wikimedia
1. Airplane Mode Has A Purpose
Before the plane takes off, you're always asked to put your phone on airplane mode, but why? You're required to do this because it prevents all radio frequencies coming from your phone and stops any potential for interference. In other words, this is done for your safety!
2. Pilots Eat Different Meals
While you might be used to hearing "chicken or beef" on every single flight, we can't say the same for the pilots and crew. They're typically offered items on the premium menu, but don't go around complaining about it -- they're getting you to your destination in one peace after all.
3. Planes Are Lightning-Proof
For those of you who have a fear of flying, being struck by lightning during your flight might be one of your biggest nightmares. Well, the next time you board an aircraft, you can rest comfortably knowing that planes are more or less immune to lightning. With their outer layers made primarily from aluminum, this material is great at conducting electricity and building resistance.
4. The World's Shortest Flight Lasted Only A Minute
Yes, someone did in fact take a plane for about one minute to get from Westray to Papa Westray. It's crazy thinking how getting through security and waiting for take-off took longer than the overall flight! We sure hope the cost of the ticket matched the duration of travel.
5. The World's Longest Flight Took 19 Hours
Can you imagine being stuck in an airplane for 19 hours? Well, the passengers that took the flight from Singapore to New York didn't have to. Covering a huge distance of around 15,000 kilometers, this flight route is easily the longest in the world. Props to the staff for working such a long shift too!
6. Pilots Sleep While Flying
No, pilots are not superhuman and no, you don't need to stress out now that you've found out they do sleep during flights. After all, would you rather a sleep-deprived human control your aircraft or a well-rested one? Obviously, there are very strict rules and practices surrounding this that make it safe to do.
7. Your Tastebuds Change While Flying
Ever wonder why airplane food tastes kind of bland or strange? You can blame the altitude! Turns out, lower air pressure and dryness can affect your taste buds, particularly when it comes to the sensitivity in our ability to taste salty and sweet foods.
8. The World's Busiest Flight Is In Korea
If you thought the airport in California was busy, just wait till you hear about the route between Jeju to Seoul in South Korea. Carrying just over 14 million passengers in 2024, never expect a slow day if you're planning on catching this flight.
9. Most Crashes Happen At The Start Or Finish
While most worry about what happens to planes while it's up in the air, thousands of miles above the ground, the truth is, most crashes occur during the landing or take-off phase. Turns out the relief you feel when the plane touches the ground is actually one of the most nerve-wracking parts for pilots.
10. Black Boxes Aren't Black
With black in the name of the title, we wouldn't blame you for assuming that the black box is well, black. In reality, they're typically bright red which makes them hard to miss. For anyone who doesn't know, these items are flight data recorders that are required to be in every single plane. It's a matter of safety.
National Transportation Safety Board on Wikimedia
11. Plane Trails Are Made Of Water
Ever since you were a kid, you likely looked up in the sky and admired those cool white streaks that planes would leave behind. It was like drawing with clouds! While they looked like bits of smoke, these plane trails are actually made from water. The changes in air pressure creates these contrails (condensation trails) which are made of small ice particles which quickly evaporate.
María Noel Rabuñal Cantero on Unsplash
12. Ashtrays Are Mandatory
While smoking onboard an aircraft is never permitted, you may wonder why ashtrays are still a mandatory addition. That's because some people still try to break the rules by smoking in the washroom or in hidden areas that are hard to find. In these scenarios, the ashtray sure comes in handy for disposing the cigarettes.
13. Planes Last Around 30 Years
While it's nowhere near as long as a human's lifespan, it's still pretty impressive thinking about how planes are able to last around 30 years. Just think about how many flights it's had, how many passengers it's carried, and how many places it's been. They sure accomplish a lot within this time span!
14. The Heaviest Plane Was 600 Tonnes
Weighing a whopping 600 or so tonnes, the Antonov An-225 Mrriya is recorded as being the heaviest plane to ever fly. If you're struggling to put that into perspective, just know that a blue whale is approximately only 200 tonnes!
15. The Tiny Holes In The Window Are Purposeful
If you've ever wondered what those tiny holes in airplane windows were for, today's the day you finally get your answer. And no, they're not to let in fresh air! These little breather holes are what helps keep your windows clear and ensures air pressure levels are under control.
16. The Safest Spot Is In The Back
God forbid anyone is ever put in a situation where this matters, but according to researchers, the safest seats on the plane with the highest rate of survival are located in the back. So while you might complain about having to get off last, there are hidden upsides you never knew about.
17. The Smallest Plane Ever Built Weighed About 400lb
Adorably titled the "Bumble Bee," this tiny plane was crafted after five years of hard work and construction before it was deemed travel-ready. With its yellow and black stripes and tiny size of just 9 feet long and 3 feet high, it definitely resembled the insect it was named after. Sadly, it crashed early on during its third flight.
18. Oxygen Masks Have Limited Supply
While most people have never had to use oxygen masks on a plane, you've definitely followed enough flight attendant tutorials to know about it. But if there's one fact they don't cover, it's that these masks have a very limited supply. In reality, they're only able to provide about 12 minutes of air, which thankfully, is enough time in most cases for planes to successfully land.
19. Laser Pointers Are A Serious Offense
While you might be joking around with a laser pointer trying to play pranks, there's a serious price to pay if you point one at a plane. Considered a danger for pilots, doing this simple act can easily land you in jail even if it was just a joke.
20. Bathroom Doors Are Never Fully Locked
For safety reasons, bathroom doors on planes can be opened from the outside by crew members. Before you start complaining about your privacy, what would you do if you ever got stuck during a long flight? This is simply a precaution made for everyone's safety on board. There's a very specific way this can be done, so don't worry about other passengers trying to play a prank on you.
