10 airplane secrets the crew knows, and now you will too!

Mystery on board

10 airplane secrets the crew knows, and now you will too!

Flying hasn’t changed much since the first time, but airplanes? They’re full of clever little surprises most of us have never noticed. From secret buttons to hidden spaces and safety features doing quiet work behind the scenes, today’s planes have more tricks than you’d expect. Some might even make your next flight a bit more comfortable, or at least more interesting. Check them out!

Handrails

Image: JC Gellidon

We’ve got good news for those awful moments when the plane hits a bump. Look underneath the overhead cabins, and you may spot a slim rail running along the aisle. These are there so flight attendants can steady themselves during turbulence, but passengers can use them too. Not every plane has them, but many newer ones do.

Sleeping spots

Image: Bao Menglong

While you’re tossing and turning in seat 23B, the crew has a much better setup. On long flights, many of the biggest planes include hidden rest compartments just for pilots and flight attendants. They’re tucked behind locked doors that most passengers never notice. On older planes, crew rest might be a business class seat that they save for themselves.

A button under the armrest

Image: Alexander Schimmeck

If you love aisle seats, this one’s a gem. Some aisle armrests hide a small button near the hinge underneath. Press it, and the armrest lifts up. It’s mainly there to help people get in and out of tight rows more easily. Just remember to put it back down for takeoff and landing. Had you found it already?

A tiny hole in the window

Image: Phyllis Lilienthal

A hole in an airplane window? That doesn’t sound safe, but it actually is! These windows have three layers, and that little hole sits in the middle pane. Its job is to manage pressure differences between the cabin and the outside air. The outer pane handles the heavy lifting, while the inner pane is mostly there for protection and looks. So yes, the hole is supposed to be there.

Yellow hooks on the wings

Image: Edwin Petrus

Next time you catch a seat by the wing, pay attention, and you’ll spot bright yellow hooks on them. They’re used in emergencies, especially water landings. If passengers need to exit over the wing, crew members can attach ropes to those hooks to create lifelines. Wings can be slick, whether from water or fuel, so those ropes help people keep their footing. Thankfully, they’re rarely needed!

Black triangles

Image: Ashim D’Silva

If you look closely above some plane windows, you might spot small black triangles. These are visual markers for the crew. When viewed from the right angle, they line up with specific parts of the wing. This helps flight attendants quickly check areas that matter if there’s a concern outside. They’re simple, easy to miss, and quietly useful.

Planes carry restraints

Image: niu niu

Problematic passengers are more common than you’d think, and crews are trained to handle them calmly… At first. If that fails, planes carry restraint kits. Depending on the airline, this can include zip ties, tape, or even handcuffs. As you can imagine, these are used only when absolutely necessary. Once the plane lands, law enforcement takes over.

The bathroom door can be opened from the outside

Image: Toa Heftiba

You might think you’re safe once you lock the bathroom door, but you really aren’t! Flight attendants can open it from the outside during an emergency. They can also lock bathrooms to keep people out during takeoff, landing, or if something breaks. If you ever need help inside, look for the call button near the sink. It’s there so you’re not stuck handling a problem alone.

Medical kits that can save a life midair

Image: Kristine Wook

Many planes carry more than bandages and aspirin. Every plane has at least an automated defibrillator on board, stored in galleys or overhead bins. Some airlines also carry medical kits with additional supplies. Flight attendants are trained to use this equipment, and they can also consult doctors on the ground.

The cockpit door is stronger than it looks

Image: Blake Guidry

That plain-looking door at the front of the plane is anything but ordinary. On many aircraft, it’s reinforced with bullet-resistant materials and designed to stay secure during flight. These doors became mandatory to protect the cockpit. You may barely notice it while boarding, but it plays a big role in keeping everyone safe.