Behind-the-scenes airline secrets

Many of us aren’t unfamiliar to aircraft cabins, but it’s easy to overlook the tons of things that go on during every flight. The next time you’re jetting off, take a minute to observe if you can recognize these "behind-the-scenes" secrets on your flight.

If you’ve always wondered what would actually happen if you on your phone, or where did your poop actually gets eliminated, you’re not alone. To help you with some insight, here are all your mystery questions answered.

Today, we are sharing some of the secrets exposed by an ex-Singapore Airlines stewardess.

1. How clean are aircraft cabins?

TBH, aircraft cabins aren’t literally the most sanitary environment in the world. They’re acceptable, but because the turnaround time for cleaning is very short, it’s not quite possible for cleaners to make it squeaky-clean for every single flight.

The cabin is usually cleared and vacuumed, and tray tables and toilets are quickly wiped down. Blankets and pillowcases are also replaced. But most of the time, screen controllers, hand rests, and carpets can’t be individually sanitized.

The next time you fly, bring your own antibacterial wipes! Plus, never walk around the cabin barefooted, because 300 other passengers could be stepping in with toilet waste and walking around the same cabin you are!

2. Where does your poop go?

There’s a creepy exaggerated myth that says airplane toilet waste gets eliminated into the atmosphere as the plane is flying. However, every airline staff can confirm that this is totally false. And no, you cannot get “sucked” into the toilet if you flush it with the lid open.

It’s not that drama, really. Planes have septic tanks that are emptied via waste-removal vehicles on the ground. So the only thing you can visualise, is the fact that there’s a whole lot of poop being flown overhead at all times.

3. What freebies can I get onboard?

If you’re travelling with kids, you’re likely to get flight amenity kits for kids like colouring books and pouches.

I never knew we could get “free” stuff onboard. Budget airlines aside, full-service airlines actually have amenities and snacks you have every right to ask for. Besides, you’ve already paid for it in your higher-priced air ticket.

Singapore Airlines in particular, has pens, notepads, post-it pads, sewing kits, eyeshades and earplugs with the logo on it. If you’re lucky, your flight may also carry those novelty SIA playing cards. Most planes also have lotion, cologne and mouthwash in the lavatories for you to use onboard, as well as combs and toothbrushes.

Do you also know you can order alcoholic drinks that include basic cocktails like Screwdrivers and Gin and Tonic, on top of wine and beer? All for free. That, plus soft drinks, juices, and snacks like biscuits, mixed crackers and instant noodles too.

4. How & where do crew sleep on flights?

These bunks are either located above or below the passenger cabin, and crew can access them through “secret” entrances that look like either large closets or toilets.

5. Do crew actually get to sit down?

If you’re thinking of becoming a cabin crew, be warned that sitting down during work is a privilege. Most aircraft don’t have designated seating spaces for crew in the galley, except for crew take-off and landing seats which are usually in full view of passengers.

6. How is airplane food prepared?

Meals are usually prepared on the ground in catering facilities close to the airport, and are then transported to the aircraft and placed in refrigerators for flight attendants to heat and serve on board.

First class passengers sometimes have food that’s freshly made onboard itself. Some examples are scrambled eggs cooked using a microwave, and half-boiled eggs made using a coffee pot with hot water.

7. Do naughty scandals often happen onboard?

People joining the mile high club isn’t exactly a frequent occurrence, at least on SIA flights, but scandals do happen occasionally.

This isn’t just limited to those who have private cabins in Suites Class – We'’ve heard stories of people getting randy in the toilets and galley, some right in the middle of the Economy Class cabin, while their kids were seated at the adjacent row.

8. Why do we have to open our window shades during take-off and landing?

It’s actually a basic safety measure that the crew asks you to open your window shade because it helps them see outside better if they have to evacuate the airplane, and since most accidents happen during take-off and landing, that's the time it makes the most sense to have the shades up.

9. What happens when we use our phones without airplane mode?

Not only will the signals cause interference with airplane navigation, especially during take-off and landing. but the effort it takes your cell phone to keep scanning and tower hopping at fly-by speeds will also drain your battery and still not maintain a constant signal. So if you want your plane to get you to the gate safely, you should probably just listen to the crew’s instructions.

10. How do you score a free upgrades?

Sorry to disappoint you, but free upgrades rarely happen in Singapore. Those who do get upgraded are usually Priority Passenger Service (PPS) Club members who’ve spent a minimum of $25,000 on premium class air tickets in a year. Regular flyers, on the other hand, can use air miles to purchase seat upgrades.

The only way you’ll get to sit in an upper class cabin completely F.O.C. is, if someone seated beside you gets restrained or dies, and there’s nowhere else for you to sit. And the chances of this happening is next to never.

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Story adapted from The Smart Local.