Flying 101: experts reveal alltravellight/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AnOiQwGJzUKakMeIpqrR7g–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/0e8064f43ffb6187d22c45c3a1b5dc95>
No matter how often we fly, the wonder of air travel never ceases to astound us. Planes are becoming ever more sophisticated and intelligent, and the in-flight experience has come on leaps and bounds since the early days of airliners. We’ve done all the research and asked the experts – cabin crew, pilots, airline execs – to explain everything we’ve always wanted to know about flying.
Read on as we reveal the fascinating secrets of air travel…
Planes fly high for speednoina/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hZy9KME1PeSYwq2bdsyF4Q–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/a269c8d5b55e896c51c3f1fb060ca9d1>
Working out flight time (which is measured from gate to gate) requires complex software to calculate all the variables including distance, altitude, weather forecast (to work out head or tail winds) and air traffic congestion along the way. Despite increasingly sophisticated planes, flight times have increased in recent decades. This so-called schedule padding gives airlines a little extra time in case of delays.
US air traffic controllers are responsible for 2.9 million passengers’ safetywithGod/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qFxWTztP.6VFvZkN5MRk7g–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/e62a4c502d2ca8caba1163c75bcb5e25>
Before you board the plane, the flight attendants will have carried out a safety check and ensured the plane is clean and tidy. They then welcome passengers on board and prepare and serve food and drinks. A lot of time is spent ensuring passengers are comfortable and at ease – and in rare cases, a flight attendant might have to carry out first aid or restrain a passenger.
Flight attendants are paid once the plane doors closeSeksan44/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zXX40uWfV2TEnn8SfNak3A–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/ed433f7780e85f47735a27ee22ce812f>
Those white tracks in the sky are called contrails and there’s some science behind them. When a plane is in flight, its hot exhaust mixes with the surrounding atmosphere which, at high altitude, is much colder and thinner than the plane’s emissions. This causes the water vapour in the exhaust to freeze, leaving icy streaks across the sky.
Cabin air may be bad for your healthTravnikovStudio/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cs31WremG90UKKpakEW2Mg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/82cd3d8e68cba671b210d40858b8dfac>
TravnikovStudio/Shutterstock
If you’ve spent more than a couple of hours on a flight, you may well have noticed that your feet, ankles and legs have expanded considerably. It’s mainly just because you’ve been sitting still for too long, allowing for a build-up of fluid. The change in air pressure and some likely dehydration adds to the reaction. To avoid cankles, make sure you walk around (when the seatbelt sign is off, of course) and drink plenty of water.
Pilots often fall asleep on the jobtravellight/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bYH6veYx1y0Rs30dnuhIJQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/bbb1d700ac5796d5dab8bc3d0677ae66>
The cost of an airline should make absolutely no difference to its safety levels. Although passengers choosing the budget option might take a hit when it comes to comfort, airlines simply cannot and will not cut corners when it comes to the safety of their passengers. Planes operated by budget carriers must adhere to the same regulations and standards as their more pricey competitors, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.
Your lost luggage gets auctioned offnicostock/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bocdbfujWVU2njzNgPRL8w–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/c01ebceee2938e2067fcec88888aa32a>
There are a couple of potential reasons why people usually enter and exit on the left side of the plane. Firstly the luggage hold and the fuel tank are (mostly) on the right side, so keeping passenger activity to the left reduces the risk of injury. But some believe this pattern is actually linked to nautical history. A ship’s port would always be on the left and so it’s thought that aircraft designers followed this same format.
Babies born in US airspace become US citizensNadyaEugene/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wYW0GHHFKvkYUWCX2BxgZA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/37026118bf8b9a5be0b2cc80ee6b07fb>
This has only happened on a few occasions and it’s a real grey area. The newborn’s citizenship depends on several factors. In some parts, it pertains to the airspace occupied when the baby was born – the States, for example, recognise any baby born on US soil, including airspace, as an American citizen. According to the UN, though, a baby born in transit should become a citizen of the country that the airline is registered to. In other cases, the child may adopt their parents’ nationality.
24-hour flights aren’t far offMuratart/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/N7g_IiyvjB7fZvamcuDGNw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/e9797cd579905ca7b143dd61cceabbce>
Founder of Stratajet and former commercial pilot Jonny Nicol says planes stay up by creating lift with their wings. “What causes lift is introducing a shape [the plane] into the airflow, this curves the streamlines and introduces pressure changes. The lower pressure on the upper surface [of the wings] and higher pressure on the lower surface creates lift.”
Passengers help the crew during take-off and landingPhotobac/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/YWffQ0tZ5KwYdaLi5s_LfA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/bf478badb99f2970cae2ddae83e6a88e>
Take-off and landing are “the most critical phases of a flight”, according to flight attendant and Whistlestops.co.uk founder Leandi Schoonraad. “Passengers can often see more of what’s happening outside the aircraft than the crew can, and they can (and have) alerted us to potential external dangers such as ice on the wing or smoke from the engine. After an emergency landing, it’s also essential that people outside the plane can see and indicate to people inside and vice versa.”
Seats have to be upright for safetyProducer/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nybAlv7D.mZ6CwNqUMzlRA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/688ca3bd2554ad23cc71fc71d9ac2be0>
“From a safety perspective, [upright seats for take-off and landing] are for a ‘just in case’ emergency scenario,” says Leandi. “If the seat’s reclined, it’s harder for you to get up and out of your seat, and that extra second per person can be a matter of life or death. Also bear in mind that a reclined seat, especially in economy class, impacts on the space the person behind you has. If you make it awkward for them to get out by reclining your seat, you’re potentially risking their life in an emergency landing situation.”
Darkness in the cabin is also a safety featureJannoon028/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rvG5gU7mGxnuG6S9ucgR1g–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/d5a5efc32494069d10a051884d2d2611>
“The lights should always go out before take-off or landing if it’s dark outside. The cabin needs to reflect the exterior environment so your eyes don’t need to adjust in an emergency situation,” says Mandy Smith, former Virgin Atlantic air hostess and author of Cabin Fever, a behind-the-scenes account of being an air hostess.
The pilot communicates with cabin crew through the ‘double ding’Canaryluc/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UX2CNmcikNVp9ptV3pm3Bg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/cb3cb50e2c78421cbd9b9b7af3362335>
“The double ding as we call it,” says Mandy, “means that the pilot has had the checks in from the cabin manager and the go ahead for take-off.” Pete Evans, COO of Surf Air and former head of operations at Virgin Atlantic, says there are many different sounds and various airlines use them differently. “They’re like a set of codes for passing instructions between crew. The most noticeable ones happen during the climb after take-off, telling the crew that it’s safe for them to leave their seats.”
Engine power reduces almost immediately after take-offLeungchopan/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/azXu2iFJBDZ.1yj.hk6tuQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/9027854524da23754a4a761c9cba20b1>
Dan Air, flight attendant and Confessions of a Trolley Dolly blogger, says the official line is that devices not on airplane mode can interfere with aircraft equipment. He admits, “But if I’m honest, nothing would really happen. I’ll let you in on a little secret: I often forget to switch my phone off, and except drain my battery, little else happens. However, if 400 people all have their phones on, problems could occur. Plus, if you can’t survive without it for a few hours then you really need to get out more!”
It would take super-human strength to open a door mid-flightLafoto/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4ppGthf63umPsvzyzVwTAQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/eef429866e64b226334dec5e809cdb16>
“Typically, a bolt will hit an extremity, such as a wing tip or the nose, and the current will travel through the plane’s metal shell before leaving from another point, the tail, for example,” explains Jonny. “Once in a while there’s superficial exterior damage or minor injury to the plane’s electrical systems, but a strike typically leaves little or no evidence. In fact, you might not even notice it.”
The seatbelt sign is a communication tool between pilot and passengerLeungchopan/Shu src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/W2cZ0.7t_LBX2jLPon5APw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/56ae8c8f3b1a7e09e521c5d17f04c558>
According to psychotherapist and coach Rob Stewart, nervous flyers shouldn’t try to rationalise their fears. “You’ll end up playing cognitive tennis and going back and forth between anxious thoughts and rational thoughts, but all the while becoming more introspective and more anxious,” he says. Rob recommends a strategy called attentional focus. “Attentional focus acknowledges uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, but then redirects our attention to something more helpful: a conversation with someone, a book, magazine or film.”
Flight crew can also get scared, sometimesThamKC/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/uB5vzl8HXA2P0_kuGf0ewA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/664577e46b16639e2a37034fd930fc8e>
“We’d be lying if we said we didn’t [get scared],” says Dan Air. “However, in my 12 years of flying I could count on one hand the amount of times I’ve been scared, and I use that word loosely. We have a job to do on board and are professionals, so it’s not very often you’ll see us crack.” Leandi agrees: “We’re scared of a lot of things but flying isn’t one of them. The thing that scares me most on board is aggressive or violent passenger behaviour.”
You can get pretty close to other planes in the skyFinchfocus/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ljPQ.Y8Tw.ssQSO5qYmHRw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/85b3a1ca379f3022ec0e544327400b83>
“[Other planes] can be as close as 500 feet (152m),” according to Pete at Surf Air. Jonny of Stratajet says there are a lot of regulations that ensure planes are never dangerously close. He adds: “Private jets generally fly at a higher altitude than commercial aircraft (usually around 41,000 feet/12,500m compared to 36,000 feet/11,000m). This allows for a more direct route as it’s out of the more congested area of the sky and the flight is less likely to be affected by adverse weather conditions.”
Crew sometimes sleep in the ceiling on long-haul legsAureliy/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/G5fyiy5OKFFIBnzIGff80Q–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/f6cfa313a9261db3df5316f03098d6fe>
“With the exception of a few 5-star international airlines, we don’t actually cook on board,” says Leandi. “The meals are prepared a couple of days in advance and packaged. That’s why if you have a special dietary requirement, we ask that you tell us about it 48 hours in advance. Then when we get on board, we just pop the meals in the oven and heat them for 30 minutes before serving them to you on the meal trays.”
Aircraft pressure makes the food taste rubbishVectorfusionart/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oesq_uqIqKszZZuTgDhu7A–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/4ac8c76edb06491e09aeffc802392fe2>
Vectorfusionart/Shutterstock
“If you find you’re an anxious flyer, your threat response part of your brain, the amygdala, will be in a state of activation,” says psychotherapist Rob Stewart. “This controls not only your fight and flight response (no pun intended!) but the same region of the brain for other emotions. So, you become more prone to other emotional states when you’re feeling uncomfortable. Having said that, maybe The Notebook is just that much more real at 30,000 feet (9,000m)!”
Good manners goes a long wayZurijeta/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wMhWYINAIjaAI_1cSewNcg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/b93657ce9dc5cff22b61de2e51457cbb>
“We just get on with our job,” says Dan Air. “Believe it or not we don’t actually need a doctor. Our aviation first aid training is so good that on occasions, doctors can be more of a hindrance as our equipment is often very different to what you’d find in hospitals. We on the other hand are fully trained in it. That’s not to say we don’t all breathe a huge sigh of relief if there is a medical emergency and a doctor, nurse or paramedic steps forward.”
‘Doors to manual’ stops the emergency slide from automatically inflatingLitabit/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vcmTHZ9.9CYFzC_0fQ8fJw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/9b6e450ac619a382561c1802b372986e>
‘Doors to manual’ is a basic protocol after landing, Mandy explains, where the crew move doors into the manual position. “We then swap from the left-hand side to check our colleagues’ doors on the right-hand side are also in manual then give a thumbs-up to the manager. If the doors are in automatic when opened by the ground staff, the slide would inflate, causing injury as they open the doors.”
Cleaning time is minimal on many flightsAureliy/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Bns7JPIVha.RbvksMSZ9Sw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/e8399ca2edbbc74238537ee6b9f96a86>
Many short-haul and domestic flights only have around 30 minutes of ground time, according to Leandi. “That’s crazy when you think that means passenger disembarkation, cleaning, re-catering, security checks and passenger boarding for the next departure. Larger aircraft, especially on long-haul flights, will have closer to 90 minutes, which is still impressive given what needs to be done in that time. There’s very little margin for error and delays can have a big impact,” she says.
Planes can really fly and land themselvesFasttailwind/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Bt6.vtbFW0zFjdHhYYi0Vg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/d6bfa6ba29169a1147c81ed93e9e940e>
Fasttailwind/Shutterstock
Pete says: “An entire flight could be operated by auto-pilot, but pilots usually perform manual take-offs and landings. An aircraft can be landed automatically all the way to a complete stop on the runway.” In fact, Airbus conducted a series of pilot-less flights in December 2019. But Jonny notes: “Autopilot won’t replace a pilot in commercial aviation because it can’t problem-solve in an emergency. For that you need a well-trained pilot.”
Plane windows are layeredHiCam/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jpMAxUAJ.4_tNE2.UGfaGA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/9288b17d3cf05ac403dd95aba71cde9d>
James Kemper’s patented modern vacuum toilet uses a tiny amount of blue fluid (carrying water would make the plane too heavy) and the contents are sucked down a sewer line and into a 200-gallon holding tank. It can’t be accidentally released during a flight because the latch can only be opened from the outside, and is then later vacuumed out by crews on the ground.
Planes are really expensiveSkycolors/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pktd4ygL.IgYaT1DWbPjmA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/711246750579f1874b6256fb52ffef61>
If money is no object, a basic Boeing jetliner starts at a mere £68 million ($90m). However, for those with deep pockets, the 787 Dreamliner starts at £169 million ($225m). Costs vary on the number of aisles you want, seats and how much fuel the plane can carry. Better start saving now.
Security and safety mean you’re not allowed to walk under the wingJasni/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cBy.Hl7x4S4HDQFO5Fk5KQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/d044a7bedb40ec1410cb6762c97d028f>
One of the main reasons is because the engine of the plane might still be hot from the flight and poses a danger. The other is a security issue – ground staff are subject to major security checks before they are allowed to work anywhere near an aircraft while passengers don’t have the same clearance.
Carbon from planes stays in the atmosphere for 100 yearsTratong/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nX3w2SgexDf61AzdXXt6Zw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/880c92ddd55d6d0c48c2b3e65f988152>
There are no legal requirements but on average toilets are checked by a flight attendant every 30 minutes to make sure there’s enough toilet paper, and as a safety function that people aren’t doing anything strange in there. The blue liquid you see in the toilet also acts as a deodoriser. But it’s common that plane toilets are not cleaned to a high standard in the first place. Fingers crossed that the self-cleaning toilet Boeing has teased us with arrives sooner rather than later.
Airports collect extortionate landing feesleungchopan/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/EYElXoYoNPA5TNhhGG6wlg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/c0bd5386435a06c23fa9db352330ceb9>
The interior of many planes is marked with small red or black triangle stickers above the windows, and these align with the aircraft’s wings. These markers help the crew quickly locate the best vantage point to inspect the wings for issues, such as ice buildup during winter flights.
Eager to get on board? Cabin crew have a name for youmydegage/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0KBeHZW0muFTQwNV.LOLdA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/054cd6c8e1cc5842fd0fbe9b0fbb9368>
Cabin crew have all sorts of nicknames and words for things passengers don’t know about. One of those is a nickname for the people who crowd around the gate before anyone has been called to board. If you hear flight attendants referring to ‘gate lice’, they’re probably talking about those over-eager passengers who seem desperate to board.
Pilots and co-pilots eat different mealsFasttailwind/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Ee0Px40ZJaAVbOQ.N6ImQQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/89791a5f09f6e8c7517e649f160cc2d3>
Fasttailwind/Shutterstock
“Turbulence can come from jet streams (strong wind), wake turbulence (another plane passing by), cloud cover and stormy skies,” explains Leandi. Cabin Fever author Mandy describes it as an “unpredictable creature” with air pockets often being completely undetectable. “I’ve had many incidents where the aircraft drops suddenly,” she says. “I’ve been injured in turbulence several times during my career and even now I never feel comfortable as a passenger without my seatbelt on.”
And it may get worse due to climate changemarako85/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3M.y0nXS73SNU5mEq3ujrQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/a9498d9b5fc0db0a09085b85424dc7c1>
Levels of severe turbulence could be set to double or triple in the coming decades – and climate change could be to blame. That’s according to Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the UK’s University of Reading, who has been studying the subject since 2013. Williams and his team ran a number of simulations and found that ‘clear air turbulence’ – a type which strikes suddenly and can last longer – would increase globally between 2050 and 2080. Higher CO2 emissions are increasing the number of instabilities in the jet stream, which makes clear air turbulence more likely.
Planes are unlikely to crash due to turbulenceBignai/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/A.5AXHU_FrDZmUgzZapMgQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/a9115e80927221fe9d91ff76511f757a>
It’s highly unlikely that planes will crash due to turbulence but “never say never”, says Pete of Surf Air. “The reality is an aircraft is designed and tested to go way beyond what we normally expect from turbulence, even if it’s severe.” He points out that turbulence often feels far worse than it is. “A modest movement of, say, 10 feet (3m) can feel like a huge jolt. It would have to be really exceptional to cause the aircraft structure to fail,” he says.
Empty ‘ghost flights’ fly all the timeandriano.cz/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PlvwrqwyTjJbU8MMHBjKDg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/f3a7e2b3ff725c4a5bc351fdb4bd9655>
When you see a plane pass above you in the sky, there’s a fair chance it has no passengers. A report by The Guardian revealed that 5,000 completely empty ‘ghost flights’ have passed through UK airports since 2019, plus 35,000 more flying at under 10% capacity. Air travel releases more carbon emissions than any other consumer activity, and the revelations have infuriated climate campaigners, particularly since there is no official explanation for why the flights are flying. The most common theory is that they exist to retain coveted slots in airport timetables.
Falcons fly free on Etihad Airwaysnyker/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dTFXQmCEU8UhOFaoH7dHCw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/6c3f74b0290b44d64527a7ebf5c01e31>
Frontier Airlines officially launched its ‘GoWild!’ all-you-can-fly subscription service in Spring 2023, offering passengers ‘unlimited’ flights across the US and Central America. Passes are available for both seasonal and annual periods, including a Fall and Winter Pass and an Annual Pass. While the pass promises ‘unlimited’ flights, it comes with some caveats, including blackout dates and additional fees for baggage and seat selection.
Fly in the morning for less turbulenceKatMoy/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6uVtXMp4jRoi9T39ZeQbiw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/24de9c984d1261527114bc3a9a43dcbe>
Does your heart begin to race when the seatbelt sign is switched on, thinking you’re in for a bumpy ride? According to one pilot, taking off in the morning can mitigate your chances of encountering turbulence. In an interview with the New York Times, Boeing 737 captain Morgan Smith explained that the air coming from the ground hasn’t heated up yet, and rising heat is a common cause of turbulence. You can also sit at the front of the plane, where it’ll feel smoother.
There are a lot of planes in the sky right now
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Publish date : 2024-09-26 00:00:00
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