The narrator introduces a Be Amazed flight and shares some lesser-known facts about air travel. They discuss the stress of boarding, the importance of boarding towards the end of the flight, and the significance of the six-digit alphanumerical code on boarding passes. They also explain the secondary security screening selection code and the reasons behind it.
The narrator then talks about the dangers of flying, including bird strikes and hailstorms, and how airports have to take measures to prevent these incidents. They also discuss the issue of blue ice, which is a mixture of human waste and blue disinfectant that can fall from a plane.
The narrator then delves into the world of airplane bathrooms, explaining that they are not allowed to be emptied into the sky, but they can sometimes leak from the plane's septic tank. They also explain that there is a secret way to unlock an airplane toilet from the outside.
The narrator then discusses the quality of airplane food, explaining that it is often blast chilled and transported to the aircraft for flight attendants to heat and serve on board. They also explain that airplane cabins have low humidity levels, which affects our ability to taste and smell.
The narrator then discusses the rules for pilots and co-pilots, explaining that they are warned against eating the same meals while working to prevent mutual food poisoning. They also explain that there is a pecking order for pilot food, with the pilot usually receiving a meal from the first-class menu and the co-pilot receiving something from business class.
The narrator then discusses the safest seat in the event of a crash, explaining that historically, seats in the back third of a plane had a 68% average chance of survival. They also explain that middle seats in the rear of the plane are the safest place to be, giving a 72% chance of surviving a crash landing.
The narrator then discusses the tiny hole in the window of an airplane, explaining that it is one of the airplane's mightiest safety features. They also explain that the hole is used to balance the air pressure between the middle and outer panes of the window.
The narrator then discusses the small red or black triangles found along cabin interiors, explaining that they are used by cabin crew to view the wings of the aircraft.
The narrator then discusses the beeping sounds used in-flight, explaining that they are used to signal various things, from upcoming turbulence to the need for passengers to return to their seats and fasten their seat belts.
The narrator then discusses the luxury of first-class travel, explaining that despite the high price, the service offered is not significantly different from that of business class. They also explain that first-class offers a slightly larger seat and a few extra items on the menu, such as champagne and whiskey.
The narrator then discusses the rest compartments for flight attendants and pilots, explaining that they are specially reserved for the cabin crew to get some well-earned shut eye. They also explain that these compartments can usually be found in overhead areas of a long-haul aircraft.
The narrator then discusses the importance of rest for pilots, explaining that when surveyed by the British Airline Pilots' Association, 84% of pilots said that their ability to fly a plane had been compromised due to tiredness. They also explain that 56% admitted that they had fallen asleep while in charge of a plane.
The narrator then discusses the unfortunate event of an in-flight death, explaining that if a passenger passes away during a flight, the crew will usually have to wait until the plane reaches its final destination to remove the body from the plane. They also explain that Singapore Airlines has launched a fleet of air buses with compartments specifically installed to store an average-sized body in the event of an in-flight death.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Most airlines pre-assign seats to passengers, making it unnecessary to rush to board the plane.
2. Boarding towards the end of the boarding process can minimize the amount of time spent waiting in line and reduce congestion in the gate area.
3. The six-digit alphanumerical code on a boarding pass is called a Passenger Name Record (PNR) and is used to identify individual passengers.
4. The PNR code contains information such as date of birth, contact details, credit card information, passport details, and IP addresses if booked online.
5. Passengers who find the code "SSSS" on their boarding pass may be subject to additional security checks, as it indicates they have been selected for Secondary Security Screening Selection.
6. Airports use various methods to prevent bird-related accidents, including firing blanks from cannons to scare birds away and using pigs to eat gull eggs.
7. Hailstorms can cause significant damage to airplanes, and pilots must navigate through them carefully.
8. Lightning strikes are a common occurrence for airplanes, but they are designed to withstand them through simulations and conductivity testing.
9. Plane toilets use a strong suction system to dispose of waste, which is then stored in a holding tank and disposed of at the end of the flight.
10. The contents of a plane toilet can occasionally leak out and fall to the ground, forming a frozen chunk of waste and disinfectant known as "blue ice."
11. Pilots and co-pilots are not allowed to eat the same meals while working, as a precaution against food poisoning.
12. There is a pecking order for pilot food, with the pilot receiving a meal from the first-class menu and the co-pilot receiving a meal from business class.
13. Air travel is one of the safest modes of transportation, with a low risk of death (1 in 3.37 billion).
14. The safest seat on a plane is often in the rear third, with a 68% average chance of survival in the event of a crash.
15. Flight attendants have a secret way to unlock an airplane toilet from the outside using a hidden mechanism behind a metal lavatory sign.
16. Airplane food is often prepared on the ground and blast-chilled before being transported to the aircraft, where it is heated and served.
17. The low humidity in airplane cabins can affect our ability to taste and smell, which is why some airlines increase the amount of salt and sugar in their food.
18. Wearing noise-canceling headphones can actually improve our ability to taste food and drink on a plane.
19. Pilots and co-pilots have a "do not pair" list, where they can list the names of coworkers they would rather not fly with.
20. Flight attendants have a secret rest compartment on long-haul flights, where they can get some sleep.
21. Pilots also have their own private quarters on long-haul flights, which often feature two spacious sleeping compartments and a closet and lavatory.
22. In the event of an in-flight death, cabin crew must be prepared to handle the situation, which may involve waiting until the plane reaches its final destination to remove the body.
23. Some airlines have compartments specifically installed to store a deceased passenger's body in the event of an in-flight death.