The world of aviation is not just about traveling from one destination to another. It’s a realm filled with peculiar stories and fascinating facts that often fly under the radar. From unique airline services to the surprising impact of flying on our senses, here are six intriguing aspects of airlines that you might not know. … Continue reading 6 Surprising Facts About the Airline Industry
The Costly Lesson of American Airlines’ Lifetime AAirpass
In 1981, American Airlines introduced the “lifetime unlimited AAirpass” at a cost of $250,000, which would be equivalent to around $870,000 in today’s currency. This exclusive pass granted lifetime access to unlimited first-class flights, and an additional companion pass could be obtained for an extra $150,000. The airline hoped that this initiative would generate substantial revenue, but it ultimately backfired. Only a handful of people purchased the passes, and those who did made full use of the benefits. Two of the most frequent fliers cost American Airlines a staggering $1 million annually and accumulated over 30 million miles in their travels.
Interestingly, the AAirpass was not the only such program at the time; other airlines offered similar lifetime passes with varying prices and benefits. For example, United Airlines sold a lifetime pass for unlimited travel in first-class cabins at a price of $500,000 in 1988. However, due to similar issues with cost and usage, these programs were eventually discontinued.
There is a group of 737 aircraft…
There is a group of 737 aircraft operated by “Janet Airlines”, a highly classified airline that shuttles military personnel and contractor employees to and from Area 51. The aircraft are generally unmarked, aside from a red cheatline along the windows of the aircraft.
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The 747 airliner has a hump because….
The 747 airliner has a hump because Boeing was convinced that future supersonic aircraft would eventually make it obsolete as a passenger plane. The raised cockpit allowed for a hinged nose so the 747 could continue being marketable as a cargo carrier. Today, the 747 as a passenger plane is steadily replaced by twin-engine aircrafts […]
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2% of airline luggage is either lost…
2% of airline luggage is either lost or unclaimed. If airlines are unable to reunite baggage with their owners, they legally own it after 90 days and sell it to the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama, which receives 7000 new items per day.
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Among the many bizarre requests…
Among the many bizarre requests received by Virgin Atlantic flight attendants were: “Could you turn the engines down because they are too noisy?”; “Please can the Captain stop the turbulence?”; “Can you take my children to the playroom?”; and “Is there a McDonald’s onboard?”
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In 1967 a Munich resident Helmut…
In 1967 a Munich resident Helmut G. Winter built a catapult to launch Bavarian potato dumplings at noisy planes flying over his house forcing the West German Luftwaffe pilots to concede defeat and change their flight path.
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United Airlines had assured a blind…
United Airlines had assured a blind woman that they would help her off the plane but only after the other passengers had gotten off, before forgetting about her and locking the plane up with her in it after everybody else had left.
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A fed up Jet Blue flight attendant…
In 2010, a fed up Jet Blue flight attendant announced his resignation over the PA system upon landing. He then grabbed 2 beers from a beverage cart and exited by deploying the plane’s emergency slide. 00
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This Is Why You Can’t Help Yourself to an Empty First-Class Seat When You’re Flying
When you make your way through first-class to your coach class seat, you pass passengers already seated in their wide seats, relaxed, with beverages and their noses stuck to their devices or magazines.
You squeeze yourself into your middle seat and shove your carryon under the seat in front of you because all the overhead space was taken by the time you got there.
Nodding at the guy next to you, you mentally calculate if he’s the kind of guy that would deny you elbow space on the armrest later in the flight.
You also mentally calculate if you could sneak into first class and take one of several empty seats you saw.
The answer? No.
Why? Because it’s stealing.
You’ve paid your fare and it was for coach. Why should you be the one to get an empty first class seat over another passenger?
Recently, on Twitter, United Airlines put it another way when a passenger tweeted this question: “What’s the point of empty seats if they can be filled and your customers can have a better experience?”
Because, United answered, “… If you were to purchase a Toyota, you would not be able to drive off with a Lexus, because it was empty.”
The customers who choose to pay for Economy Plus are then afforded that extra space. If you were to purchase a Toyota, you would not be able to drive off with a Lexus, because it was empty. ^BA
— United Airlines (@united) September 7, 2019
Something else to keep in mind, flight attendants know who is supposed to be in their first class cabin. If they do note someone taking a seat they didn’t pay for, they can confront that passenger.
In forums, tales of passengers getting charged for the upgrade or even getting arrested are frequently discussed.
More legroom and a free cocktail doesn’t seem to be worth the hassle, does it?
If you’re really determined, you can try asking the flight attendant if you can move up. Don’t count on a warm reception to the idea, though.
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