Air travel is not only a quick way to get from one point of the world to another, but also a treasure trove of interesting facts and unusual solutions that often go unnoticed by ordinary passengers.
13th row of seats? No, I haven't!
Surely many of you have noticed that some planes do not have a 13th row of seats at all. It turns out that this is not just a coincidence or a design idea. Many airlines, such as United Airlines and Lufthansa, have decided to remove the 13th row due to superstition. In various cultures, the number 13 is considered unlucky, which worries some passengers. In the United States, this phobia is so common that it leads to economic losses of about $800 million a year, as people avoid important things and events on Friday the 13th. So if you don't find the 13th row on your flight, now you know why!
Where is the letter I?
Wide-body aircraft often use 3-4-3 type seating arrangements. Have you ever noticed that some letters are missing, such as "I" and "O"? This is done in order to avoid confusion: both with the number "1" and with the number "0" (or the letter "Q"). Every little detail is thought out to simplify and automate the process of boarding passengers.
Secret toilet door
Here's another interesting fact: airplane lavatory doors can be opened from the outside, even if they are closed from the inside. What for? It's simple: to ensure safety in case of an emergency. If a passenger barricades themselves inside or loses consciousness, flight attendants can quickly gain access and help.
Different meals for pilots
Have you ever wondered what the crew eats during a flight? It turns out that pilots are served different food on the same flight. This is done in order to reduce the risk of concurrent food poisoning. After all, if both pilots suffer from low-quality food, the safety of the flight will be at risk. In the history of aviation, there have already been such cases, such as, for example, on a Japan Air Lines flight in 1975, when mass food poisoning affected 197 people on board.
Ashtrays? On the plane?
Despite the ban on smoking on most flights, modern planes are equipped with ashtrays. For what? It's simple: even if someone breaks the rule and smokes, airlines must be prepared to safely dispose of cigarette butts. After all, it is better to ensure the presence of an ashtray than to risk a fire in the garbage can.
Tomato juice is the star of heavenly menus
When it comes to beverage selection, tomato juice is suddenly becoming one of the most popular options on board. It turns out that at an altitude of about 10,000 meters, our taste buds work a little differently. Air pressure and dryness make the taste of tomato juice richer and sweeter. The same effect, by the way, makes the water on board unusually tasteless.
Drink water and don't forget about food trays!
Did you know that at altitude the body loses fluid like during an intense workout? With the dry air in the cabin circulating, our body loses moisture faster than usual. Therefore, stewards constantly remind us to drink water. Even if you don't feel thirsty, a glass of water won't hurt at all.
Social influence on beverage choices
An interesting detail: often our choice of drinks on board is influenced by others. See your neighbor ordering tomato juice or wine? Let's follow in his footsteps!
Every detail in aviation is thought out to make your journey as comfortable and safe as possible. We hope that a few interesting facts about flights will add topics for discussion with fellow travelers!
