The number of inhabitants of our planet who are simultaneously in the air at any given moment is approaching one million. Perhaps you are currently planning a trip, ordering airline tickets, or waiting to board a flight. We bring to your attention nine little-known facts about air transport and air travel from the BBC Future website archive.
1. Old models of microwave scanners used for contactless passenger screening at airports showed security personnel too detailed an image of the human body. There were protests from human rights activists, and the equipment was modified – now the image of the scanned passenger looks more schematic.
2. The double-deck Airbus A380 airliner can accommodate up to 853 passengers, depending on the cabin configuration. The dimensions of the aircraft are so large that hangars at London's Heathrow Airport had to be redesigned for it.
3. Due to the large power reserve of the engines, when in takeoff mode, the aircraft can, if necessary, take off almost vertically. Such a takeoff looks very impressive, but is not practiced on passenger airliners.
4. During ground strength tests, the wing of a new aircraft is bent relative to the horizontal position by angles up to 90 degrees. Therefore, do not be afraid of "turbulence" – the airframe is designed to withstand much more serious loads.
5. At some airports, seats located near boarding gates are deliberately made uncomfortable to encourage waiting passengers to shop and visit restaurants. For the same reason, the number of seats in airports is limited.
6. Dry air and low pressure in the aircraft cabin dull taste sensations – so the food offered on board often seems tasteless to many. To enhance the flavor of in-flight meals, an extra portion of salt is added during preparation.
7. You are not imagining it – people pass gas more often during flights. That is why aircraft cabins are often equipped with carbon filters to prevent the spread of unpleasant odors.
8. The best way to avoid jet lag caused by time zone changes on a long flight is to start preparing for life in the new time zone in advance.
9. Despite the major plane crashes that have occurred in the last few years, from a statistical point of view, air travel is now safer than at any time in the history of passenger aviation.