Unveiling air travel secrets: 15 things you never knew about flying

Air travel, a routine experience for many, holds secrets that extend beyond the ordinary passenger's knowledge. From coded chimes to the surprising authority of a plane captain, here are 15 secrets about flying that might astonish even the most frequent flyers.

1. Limited lifespan of emergency oxygen masks

The emergency oxygen masks on planes provide a crucial safety measure, but here's a lesser-known fact: they only last about 12 to 15 minutes. While this might sound alarming, it takes far less time for a pilot to descend to a safe altitude than for the masks to run out of oxygen.

2. The chimes have a secret code

The seemingly random chimes you hear during a flight are not just background noise. According to Qantas Airlines, flight crews use a system of chimes and bells to communicate. These messages range from snack updates to alerts about turbulence or even emergencies.

3. The technical impossibility of dying on a flight

In a unique legal twist, it's technically impossible to be declared dead mid-flight. This is because no one on board is qualified to declare a time of death. If a passenger were to pass away during a flight, they would only be officially declared dead upon landing.

4. The fate of deceased passengers

If a passenger does unfortunately pass away during a flight, there is no designated area to store the body. In most cases, the deceased is secured back into their seat, often covered with a blanket if an empty row is unavailable.

5. Lavatories can be unlocked from the outside

For safety reasons, airplane lavatories can be unlocked from the outside. The external lock mechanism, usually concealed beneath the "no smoking" sign, allows access in case of an emergency.

6. Caution with onboard water

Drinking water on planes might not be as safe as you think. Environmental Protection Agency testing revealed that over 10% of planes tested positive for high levels of coliform, potentially harmful bacteria. Flight attendants often advise passengers to avoid onboard water.

7. Dimming lights for safety, not sleep

Dimming cabin lights during takeoff and landing isn't to lull passengers to sleep. It's a safety measure to ensure passengers' eyes are already adjusted to darkness in case of an emergency evacuation.

8. Flight attendants' unpaid pre-boarding and post-landing time

Flight attendants on hourly wages start getting paid only when the aircraft doors close and stop getting paid after the doors open. All the pre-boarding and post-landing activities are unpaid, highlighting the unseen aspects of their job.

9. Requesting a whole can of soda

Contrary to the portioned servings, passengers can request an entire can of soda without additional charges. Most airlines willingly oblige this simple request.

10. The authority of a Plane Captain (PIC)

The "pilot in command" (PIC) has significant authority when the plane doors are closed. A PIC can impose restraints, issue fines, take a will, and even refuse entry to a passenger, showcasing their ultimate authority on the aircraft.

11. Decoding your boarding pass

Your boarding pass contains more information than meets the eye. The first two letters indicate the airline, and the numerical portion of the flight number reveals the direction of travel. Additionally, the six-character segment is your booking reference, potentially sensitive information if misused.

12. Tray tables: Among the dirtiest surfaces

Tray tables on planes are often overlooked when it comes to cleanliness. Cleaned only about once a day, these surfaces can harbour various germs and bacteria. Flight attendants recommend using sanitising wipes to minimise the risk of contamination.

13. Flight crews' limited layover revelry

Federal regulations restrict flight crews from drinking within eight hours of a flight, and airline rules are often stricter. The penalties for being caught drunk or hungover on the job are severe, leading most flight crew members to prioritise rest over layover partying.

14. Flight attendants' diverse skills, including delivering babies

Flight attendants undergo extensive training that goes beyond serving passengers. They are trained in technical and safety aspects, including delivering babies. The comprehensive training covers scenarios like administering CPR, diagnosing conditions, and even handling childbirth.

15. Exclusive difficulty of Delta Airlines' flight attendant program

Some flight attendant programs, like Delta Airlines', are highly competitive. In 2016, only 1% of the 150,000 applicants to Delta's program were accepted, making it more challenging to qualify for than some Ivy League schools.

The next time you buckle up for a flight, remember that beyond the routine of takeoff and landing lies a tapestry of intriguing secrets. From the coded language of chimes to the stringent qualifications of flight attendants, air travel is more nuanced than meets the eye.