It turns out that thinking airplane food tastes bad might be your own problem — 10 Common Flight Q&As

▲ Airline-prepared in-flight meals. They taste super delicious. (Photo / Reporter Huang Kexiang)

By Rita

When it comes to flying, everyone has a ton of questions: Why is smoking banned on planes? Why do we have to close the window shades?... The UK's Daily Mail compiled a list of common flight-related questions, and this article selects 10 of them. It turns out many of these requirements have valid reasons behind them.

1. Why is smoking banned on planes, but there are still ashtrays?
Because some people still can't resist the urge to smoke and take the risk — having ashtrays to catch cigarette butts is better than having nothing at all.

2. Why are the cabin lights dimmed before landing?
Since landing often happens during more critical times, dimming the lights helps your eyes adjust to the dark. This way, if there’s an emergency, you’ll be able to see safety instructions more clearly and follow them.

3. Why do we have to open the window shades?
Opening the shades allows natural light into the cabin so your eyes can adjust to the outside light. If something goes wrong during takeoff or landing, crew members can look out the windows to assess the issue, such as wing fires.

4. Why does airplane food always taste so bad?
Taste sensitivity drops by about 30% at 30,000 feet altitude — that’s the main reason.。

▲ Airplane meal (Photo / Reporter Dong Meiqi)

5. Why do phones need to be in airplane mode?
Although there have been no recorded aviation accidents caused by phones not being turned off or switched to airplane mode, phones could interfere with the communication frequencies between pilots and control towers — so it’s best to switch to airplane mode.

6. Why can’t you use the toilet during takeoff and landing?
Mainly because toilets don’t have seatbelts to keep you safe, and being in an enclosed space means it would be harder to escape in case of an emergency.

7. Is turbulence dangerous?
Turbulence won’t cause a plane to break apart or crash.

8. Should I keep my seatbelt fastened at all times?
The purpose of a seatbelt is, of course, passenger safety. Keeping it fastened means that if turbulence hits, you won’t be jolted around and bump into something.

9. Can lightning hit the plane?
The aircraft’s body is built to withstand lightning, and the metal itself also protects passengers.

10. Why do flight times vary?
It’s mainly due to headwinds and tailwinds — flights with tailwinds take less time.