What Happens to Your Airplane Blanket and Other Flight Secrets Revealed
Flying has a way of making people curious. Why do they dim the cabin lights before landing? What’s really in that airplane coffee? And how much power does the captain actually have up there? Airlines don’t always advertise these details, but experienced travelers and industry insiders know there’s more to flying than meets the eye. Let’s discuss some flight secrets that will change the way you look at air travel.
That Oxygen Mask? You’ve Got 15 Minutes
Credit: flickr
If those oxygen masks drop, you don’t have an unlimited supply of air. The system is designed to last about 15 minutes—just enough time for the pilot to get the plane to a lower, breathable altitude. That’s why it’s critical to put your mask on fast. The good news is that pilots are trained to handle depressurization quickly, so in most cases, you’ll be fine.
The Chimes You Hear Are a Secret Code
Credit: Youtube
Ding! That sound isn’t just letting you know it’s safe to unbuckle. Airlines use a system of chimes to communicate with the crew. A single chime might mean a routine message from the cockpit, while multiple dings could signal turbulence ahead or even an emergency. Next time you hear those chimes, just know the flight attendants are paying close attention.
Yes, the Bathroom Door Can Be Unlocked from the Outside
Credit: Youtube
Ever wondered why flight attendants aren’t too worried when someone locks themselves in the lavatory for too long? It’s because every airplane bathroom has a hidden latch that allows the crew to unlock the door from the outside. Usually, it’s hidden behind the “Lavatory” sign. This is mainly for safety reasons—so if someone passes out or an emergency happens, they can step in.
Think Twice About Drinking the Tap Water
Credit: iStockphoto
You might want to avoid that tap water on the plane. Studies have found that airplane water tanks aren’t cleaned as often as you’d hope, and bacteria can build up over time. That means coffee, tea, and any tap water could be questionable. Flight attendants know this, which is why you’ll usually see them sipping on bottled drinks instead.
Dimming the Cabin Lights Has a Purpose
Credit: iStockphoto
The purpose of dimming the lights before landing at night is not to set the mood. In case of an emergency evacuation, dimming the lights helps your eyes adjust to darkness. If you suddenly had to exit the plane in low visibility, your eyes wouldn’t need extra time to adapt—this will give you a better chance of seeing where you’re going.
Flight Attendants Don’t Get Paid Until the Doors Close
Credit: freepik
Think about this the next time you see flight attendants working hard before takeoff—they’re doing it for free. Airlines typically start the clock on their pay only when the aircraft doors close. That means all the time they spend helping you find your seat and stowing luggage is unpaid. If they seem extra patient, just know they’re doing it out of professionalism, not for a paycheck.
You Can Ask for the Whole Can of Soda
Credit: iStockphoto
If you’ve ever been given a tiny cup of soda with mostly ice, here’s a little secret: you can ask for the entire can. Most flight attendants will hand it over without a problem, as long as there’s enough stock. It’s not widely offered because airlines try to stretch their beverage supply, but a simple request usually does the trick.
The Captain Has More Authority Than You Think
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Once that plane is in the air, the captain has serious legal authority. They can arrest passengers, issue fines, and even order a disruptive traveler to be restrained. They also have the final say in whether a passenger can board at all. So, if the pilot decides someone is too unruly or intoxicated, that person isn’t going anywhere.
Your Boarding Pass Holds More Than Just a Seat Number
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
That little piece of paper (or digital ticket) has a lot of hidden information. Besides your flight details, it contains codes that can reveal whether you were randomly selected for extra screening, your frequent flyer status, and sometimes even your fare class. Be careful about leaving it behind—someone could scan the barcode and access some of your travel details.
Tray Tables Are Dirtier Than You Think
Credit: Youtube
Studies have shown that tray tables are some of the dirtiest surfaces on a plane and often harbor more bacteria than the lavatory flush button. Since deep cleaning between flights is rare, we highly recommend bringing sanitizing wipes and giving the tray a quick wipe-down before you settle down.
There Are Still Ashtrays in the Bathrooms—For a Reason
Credit: Youtube
Even though smoking on planes has been banned for decades, every aircraft still has ashtrays in the lavatories. Why? Because if someone does decide to sneak a cigarette, there needs to be a safe place to put it out. Tossing a lit cigarette in the trash could cause a fire, so airlines keep ashtrays as a precaution.
Flight Attendants Can Restrain Passengers
Credit: flickr
When someone gets out of control at 35,000 feet, flight attendants don’t just have to wait for security to handle it after landing. They’re trained in self-defense and have the authority to restrain a disruptive passenger using handcuffs or other restraints. In extreme cases, they can even ask other passengers for help in subduing someone.
There’s a Hidden Sleeping Area for the Crew
Credit: Reddit
On long-haul flights, flight attendants and pilots need rest too. That’s why many large aircraft have hidden sleeping compartments, usually tucked above the main cabin. These secret rooms have small beds where the crew can take breaks during the flight. Passengers don’t get to see them, but they help keep the crew fresh and alert.
The Airline’s App Gives You the Fastest Updates
Credit: iStockphoto
Want the most up-to-date flight information? The airline’s mobile app is usually faster than gate agents or airport monitors. Delays, gate changes, and cancellations often appear in the app before being announced over the loudspeaker. In case you’re in a rush, refreshing the app can save you from missing important updates.
Those Blankets? They Get Washed, But They’re Not New
Credit: iStockphoto
The next time you grab a blanket on your flight, just know it’s been used before. Airlines collect them after each flight and send them off to an industrial cleaning facility, where they’re washed, repackaged, and redistributed. While they are cleaned, they’re not fresh out of the package, so if you’re a germ-conscious traveler, bringing your own blanket might be a better bet.