12 Surprising Aircraft Features You Didn’t Know Existed
We all know the modern Boeing or Airbus is a massively complicated machine – but most of that mysterious wizardry is for the pilots and aircrew to worry about.
However, there are a host of features in the passenger area that you probably didn't know existed. Here are a few of the most interesting...
Secret WC catch: making toilet accessible from the outside
Shock horror: there is a secret external catch on modern aircraft toilets that can be used to open the door in case of an emergency. If someone falls ill, has a naughty ciggie, or takes too long on the throne (perhaps), a member of the cabin crew might be forced to use it.
The black triangle
If there is an issue with the wing, one of the aircrew may want to take a look. Certain windows on each side offer the most comprehensive views. Each has a little black triangle printed above it.
The armrest can be raised
Aircraft armrests can't be raised, right? Not exactly. There is a switch behind the armrest that allows the armrest to be lifted by a few degrees. It can help travellers with disabilities access the seat, and can help others if they need a little extra room for their hips.
Ashtrays?
Wasn't smoking onboard planes banned decades ago? Yes it was, but just in case a passenger decides to light up, the ashtray is there for safe disposal of the offending ciggie. Most countries stipulate an ashtray must be fitted to all passenger aircraft.
Exit grab handles
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Have you ever noticed those grab handles next to the cabin door? Don't they seem a little pointless? Not really. If an emergency evacuation takes place, they are there for a cabin crew member to hold on to when overseeing the mass exit; without the handles they might be bundled out the door.
Small yellow wing hooks
If you examine a plane's wings closely you'll spot some little yellow hooks. These are for attaching a rope to in the event of a Hudson River-style landing. Passengers can grab the rope while they await rescue.
The chemicals that make oxygen masks work
Those little yellow oxygen masks aren't connected to a huge tank of pure ‘O' – that would take up too much space. Instead, they link to an oxygen generator that mixes a cocktail of chemicals to produce oxygen if and when needed. In the event of an onboard fire, these masks are not deployed since the presence of oxygen can noticeably exacerbate the situation.
The handrail no-one seems to use
You're just about to take a sip of your £6 budget airline vino when someone grabs your headrest en-route to the toilet – spilling plonk down your jersey. They really didn't need to do that; a low-key groove is built into the overhead cabins, just big enough to get one's fingers into, potentially saving fellow passengers' best holiday attire from ruin.
The hidden bedroom
Most long-haul aircraft feature a secret bedroom for air crew to take a rest when required. More spacious than even the costliest first-class seat, the user even gets paid to sleep in it!
The window bleed hole
Yes, your window has a hole in it. But if it wasn't there you'd know. The tiny vent relieves some of the pressure exerted on the window, which at 36,000 feet amounts to quite a lot.
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